Epsom Derby betting tips: Arrest all the rage for in-form Frankie
Epsom Derby betting tips: Arrest all the rage for in-form Frankie
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This year’s blue riband event has a wide-open look to it and we’re examining the leading contenders for Classic glory in our Epsom Derby betting tips.
A bright weather forecast and an early start time of 1.30 to avoid clashing with the FA Cup final should ensure a red-hot atmosphere on the Surrey Downs.
A son of Frankel, John Gosden’s charge emerged as a major contender when demolishing his rivals in the Chester Vase on very soft ground. Although a sizeable three-year-old, Arrest successfully negotiated Tattenham Corner and seemed to handle the cambered track in a workout just short of a mile at the Derby Festival Gallops Morning. Frankie Dettori, who landed a Coronation Cup-Oaks double on Emily Upjohn and Soul Sister, declared: “He went round there fine. In the straight, it took him a furlong to get organised but he’s a big horse. He then went very straight and I was very happy with him. At least I am going into my last Derby with a great chance.”
Coral’s David Stevens commented: “Frankie Dettori has been the man for the big occasion throughout his career and he’s proved that once again with a Group One double on the opening day of this year’s Derby meeting, his last in the saddle. Plenty of punters will have backed them both and have them in multiple bets with Arrest, plus many more will want to back Frankie in his final Derby ride, and it’s almost certain the pair will be sent off favourite for the Epsom Classic. It means we’re in for a nervous day, although with the race going off at 1.30pm, at least we’ll know our fate early!”
The Deep Impact colt won three of his four juvenile starts, culminating in Group One glory in Doncaster’s Futurity Trophy, and Aidan O’Brien retains full faith in his top contender, despite a lacklustre 2000 Guineas display. Eyeing a record-extending ninth success in this race, the Irish handler stated: “I think we just have to put a line through the Guineas and put it out of our heads. I think he got banged into and wiped out another. Everything he has always done has been exceptional.”
The Lingfield Derby Trial victor is a full-brother to 2021 Epsom hero Adayar, being by Frankel out of Anna Salai. His prep race was staged on the all-weather rather than turf due to ground conditions, but Charlie Appleby feels that should not detract from his winning effort. The Godolphin trainer said: “His preparations have been faultless to date and he ticks a lot of boxes, as they say. I do genuinely feel he has still got that potential to find more improvement over the mile and a half and he is going in there as one of the least exposed horses at the top of the market.”
Digging deep 👊
A brave, brave performance from Military Order who battles hard to win the Fitzdares Lingfield Derby Trial 👏pic.twitter.com/qUknKxKM2e
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Ran a race full of promise when denied a clear run in the Dante Stakes at York and has been supplemented for the Derby at a cost of £85,000. Previously made a taking debut when scoring in a mile maiden at Newmarket on April 20. Will bid to give Sir Michael Stoute a seventh success following victories with Shergar, Shahrastani, Kris Kin, North Light, Workforce and last year’s hero Desert Crown. Alan Cooper, racing manager for owners the Niarchos family, commented: “He’s been a very progressive horse all spring, which is very encouraging.”
Coral spokesman Lewis Knowles said: “Stoute won last year’s Derby in great style with Desert Crown and he looks to have another big chance with Passenger. He’s been well backed in recent weeks after his unlucky third in the Dante and we expect he’ll continue to attract support.”
🦊 The Foxes wins an eventful Dante Stakes for Oisin Murphy at York.
Recorded an imperious victory in the Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown, quickening clear a furlong out and still lengthening away from the running-on second Up And Under in the closing stages to finish three lengths to the good. “I’ve been delighted with him,” said Jessica Harrington. “We knew he would come on over the winter and he has run two good, solid races since. I think the step up to a mile and a half will definitely suit him. He ran through the line very strong and he’s a very nice, relaxed horse, which is the main thing. Nothing seems to faze him and I think he will settle well.”
Andrew Balding landed the opening Classic of the season when Chaldean triumphed in the 2000 Guineas and is now dreaming of victory in a race his father Ian famously won with Mill Reef 52 years ago. A bold showing would also be a boost for King Power Racing, the racing arm of the owners of Leicester City, who were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday. The Foxes beat Dubai Mile in the Royal Lodge as a juvenile and followed up a solid second in the Craven by edging out White Birch in the Dante. Balding went close with both Khalifa Sat in 2020 and Hoo Ya Mal 12 months ago but insisted: “I think this is the best chance we have had.”
The Ulysses colt may have been a surprise winner of a heavy ground Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown on his three-year-old debut, but he proved that was no fluke when powering home to be beaten just a head by The Foxes on much quicker going at York. Veteran Irish trainer John Murphy said: “We were very happy with how he ran. He was a bit unlucky at the start, he just kind of fly-leapt out of the stalls and lost at least a length. Everything counts at that level. It wasn’t the plan to track them all, but he stayed on well and finished the race really strong. We have a lot of undulating gallops and he’s a balanced horse who can travel, which is very important in the Derby.”
