Discover top betting tips and expert picks for the 2025 Epsom Derby Festival, featuring key contenders, odds, and exclusive offers for UK bettors.
The Epsom Derby Festival is upon us, and this year’s edition promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With a field of 19 runners—the largest since 2003—and a host of intriguing storylines, bettors have plenty to consider. Let’s delve into the key contenders and betting insights for both the Derby and the Oaks.
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The 2025 Betfred Derby: A Wide-Open Contest
Scheduled for Saturday, 7 June at 3:30 PM BST, the Derby features a diverse field of three-year-old colts vying over 1 mile 4 furlongs. The race boasts a prize fund of £1.5 million, with £909,628 awarded to the winner. Broadcast live on ITV1 and Racing TV, it’s a must-watch for racing enthusiasts.
Top Contenders:
- Delacroix (3/1): Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Delacroix enters as the favourite after impressive wins in the Ballysax and Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown. However, drawn in stall 14, he faces a challenging position.
- Ruling Court (7/2): Charlie Appleby’s 2,000 Guineas winner aims for a classic double. Drawn in stall 7, he has a favourable position, but questions remain about his stamina over the Derby distance.
- Pride Of Arras (5/1): The Dante Stakes victor, trained by Ralph Beckett, has shown a strong turn of foot. Despite a wide draw in stall 16, he’s considered a serious contender.
- The Lion In Winter (9/1): Another O’Brien entry, he boasts a strong juvenile record but has the widest draw in stall 19, a position from which no horse has won since 1967.
- Lambourn (12/1): Winner of the Chester Vase, Lambourn offers value for each-way bettors, especially from stall 10, historically the most successful in Derby history.
- Midak (18/1): The unbeaten French colt, supplemented for £75,000, adds international flair and intrigue to the field.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: Delacroix’s class is undeniable, but his wide draw poses challenges.
- Each-Way Bet: Pride Of Arras offers solid value, despite his draw, given his impressive trial performances.
- Longshot: Midak’s unbeaten record and the confidence shown by his connections make him an intriguing outsider.
For more insights and daily picks, visit our Betting Tips page.
The 2025 Betfred Oaks: Desert Flower Leads the Pack
The Oaks, scheduled for Friday, 6 June, is the fillies’ equivalent of the Derby, run over the same distance. This year’s field features nine contenders, with Desert Flower leading the market.
Top Contenders:
- Desert Flower (5/4): Unbeaten in five starts, including the 1,000 Guineas, Charlie Appleby’s filly is the favourite. Drawn in stall 1, she’ll need to navigate the field effectively.
- Minnie Hauk (7/2): Aidan O’Brien’s Cheshire Oaks winner, ridden by Ryan Moore, is expected to relish the step up in trip.
- Whirl (8/1): Another O’Brien trainee, Whirl impressed in the Musidora Stakes and could offer value for each-way bettors.
Betting Tips:
- Win Bet: Desert Flower’s form is compelling, but her inside draw could be a disadvantage.
- Each-Way Bet: Whirl’s recent performance suggests she could outperform her odds.
Explore our Bookmakers page to find the best odds and promotions for the Oaks.
Exclusive Betting Offer
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Additionally, check out our Bonuses page for more exciting offers from top UK bookmakers.
Epsom Derby Festival Betting Tips: Wrap Up
The 2025 Epsom Derby Festival promises thrilling races and potential upsets. With a mix of seasoned favourites and emerging talents, bettors have a wealth of options to consider. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the spectacle. For more betting insights and updates, return to our homepage.