See Andy Newton’s Irish Derby tips and 1-2-3 best bets ahead of the big Curragh Classic on Sunday – with all eyes on Aidan O’Brien’s Benvenuto Cellini after his well-documented Epsom Derby non-running showing.
Can Benvenuto Cellini Bounce Back From Epsom Disappointment?
Having been well-fancied for the Epsom Derby earlier this month – Benvenuto Cellini will be looking to bounce back to form on Sunday in the Irish version.
As we all know now, he was famously declared a non-runner, despite running in the race at Epsom, after getting his hind leg caught in the starting gates.
The reason why Benvenuto Cellini was declared a non runner – 😱 @FanDuel_Racing pic.twitter.com/CSo6h2Eb4t
— Jess Stafford (@jess_stafford_) June 6, 2026
Regardless if you think that impacted his chance, he was still well back at the line – 10th of the 14 runners – and so with a lot to prove here.
However, there will be many in his camp still – with the better ground also a big plus and is was hard to not be impressed with his Chester Vase win before Epsom.
He’ll be looking to give Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 18th Irish Derby win and a third for jockey Ryan Moore – who has stayed loyal despite having the option to ride the Epsom Derby winner Christmas Day.
Christmas Day will was a gutsy winner of the English Classic and at 11/2 will be the value call to uphold that form.
He’ll be looking to become the 21st Epsom/ Irish Derby double winner. While connections have stayed loyal with Ronan Whelan in the plate.
With Wayne Lordan on Pierre Bonnard.
Benvenuto Cellini, for me, looks the most like winner – but is he value in the market.
While those against him may point to him being beaten on debut at the Curragh last June as a small negative.
Raaheeb A Threat For The British
The shortest-priced British Irish Derby runner will be the Owen Burrows-trained Raaheeb.
He will head to the Curragh 2-2 in this races and connections have taken their time with this Sea The Stars colt after a nice win in the bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown in April.
But the form of that win has been knocked a bit since. With the second Al Zanati losing since in the Dante.
That said, this well-bred son of a former Derby could easily improve for the step up in trip and has been well supported in the betting to upset the main home-trained runners.
The last British-trained winner of the Irish Derby was Westover for Ralph Beckett in 2022.
James J Braddock To Land Irish Derby Knockout Blow
The Joseph O’Brien yard have landed just the Irish Derby win in the past Latrobe (2018). But I think they’ve got a great chance of adding to that on Sunday.
JAMES J BRADDOCK probably didn’t get the credit he deserved for running third at Epsom last time.
While before that be was a winner of the Derby Trial at Leopardstown (watch below).
He’s also proven here at the Curragh, with a 6-length romp at the track last November, albeit in a maiden.
The negatives are that he’s finished behind Christmas Day twice now. Having been 5th to him at Leopardstown in the Ballysax.
But that was his first run of the season. He’s had two runs since and will be spot-on now.
He also got a bit worked up before the race at Epsom the last day – so the fact he ended third can certainly be upgraded.
It’s also interesting that recent Irish Derby winners Los Angeles and Westover both finished third in the Epsom Derby.
So I’ll take the gutsy James J Braddock, who is named after a former American heavyweight champion in the 1930’s, to be the next and deliver a knockout blow.
Andy Newton’s Irish Derby Tip
🥇JAMES J BRADDOCK (e/w)
🥈Benvenuto Cellini
🥉Raaheeb
Irish Derby Betting Odds 2026
- Benvenuto Cellini 13/8 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Raaheeb 7/2 (Owen Burrows)
- Christmas Day 6/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- James J Braddock 13/2 (Joseph O’Brien)
- Pierre Bonnard 12/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Action 25/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Bunyola Bay 40/1 (Richard Hannon)
- Shaihaan 100/1 (Donnacha O’Brien)
Note: Irish Derby betting odds are subject to change and others are on request
Irish Derby Race Information 2026
📅 Date: Sunday 28th June 2026
⌚ Time: 4:35pm
🏇 Racecourse: Curragh
🔄 Trip: 1m4f
💷 Winner: €712,500
📺 TV: Racing TV
