Benvenuto Cellini heads the 14 declarations for the Betfred Derby as Aidan O’Brien launches a four-strong assault in search of a record-extending 12th success in the prestigious Epsom Classic. The master of Ballydoyle has proved unbeatable on the Surrey Downs in recent years, with this year’s formidable contingent attempting to make it four-in-a-row after Auguste Rodin, City Of Troy and Lambourn’s triumphs between 2023 and 2025.
Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini is joined by stablemates Pierre Bonnard, Action and Christmas Day.
Pierre Bonnard is a horse held in the highest regard despite yet to strike this term, while Action and Christmas Day arrive in fine form having finished second and third respectively in the Dante.
The winner at York that day was Item, one of two entries for Andrew Balding alongside A Taste Of Glory. Bookmakers regard Item as the most likely challenger to the Ballydoyle-trained favourite, having enhanced his unbeaten record on the Knavesmire.
William Haggas’ Maltese Cross, two from two this year after edging out Ralph Beckett’s Bay Of Brilliance, will lock horns again on the Surrey Downs. Charlie Johnston’s Ancient Egypt is another British-trained contender, having impressed in the Newmarket Stakes.
Also heading to Epsom on a high is Joseph O’Brien’s James J Braddock, who downed the aforementioned Pierre Bonnard at Leopardstown and will seek to land another telling blow in a race his handler won twice as a jockey aboard Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014).
Jane Chapple-Hyam and Faye Bramley will both try to become the first female trainer to win the Derby when saddling Balzac and Rebel Rocker respectively.
The field is completed by Karl Burke’s 4.3m guineas yearling Poker and Richard Hannon’s Alderman, who both head into the race as maidens.
