Latest news with #Ballysax
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Who is the favourite to win the 2025 Epsom Derby?
There is a clear favourite ahead of the Epsom Derby this year as Aidan O'Brien seeks out another win This weekend, all eyes will be on Surrey's Epsom Downs Racecourse. The two-day Derby Festival will reach its pinnacle with the Epsom Derby, a race that has been synonymous with prestige and wealth in British flat racing for centuries. The Derby not only shapes the destinies of future racing legends but also serves as a crucial proving ground for potential stallions. The upcoming event promises to be an intriguing chapter in this storied history. Aidan O'Brien, who is no stranger to the winner's circle with ten previous Derby victories to his name, is once again a strong contender. His hopefuls include The Lion In Winter, whose odds have lengthened after a disappointing performance in the Dante. Delacroix is another promising entry from O'Brien's stable, having won the Ballysax and Derby Trial, and is likely to be jockey Ryan Moore's mount. Ruling Court is another horse to watch, attempting to become the first since Camelot in 2012 to clinch both the 2000 Guineas and the Derby. Meanwhile, Pride Of Arras has emerged as a dark horse after an impressive victory in the Dante. However, with doubts over the staying power of several leading contenders and no clear favourite like last year's sensation City Of Troy, this year's Derby appears to be anyone's race. This unpredictability only adds to the excitement of what promises to be another thrilling instalment of this iconic event. It promises to be an excellent day of flat racing for horse racing fans and for the bookies so be sure to check out all the exciting new offers. Who is the favourite to win the Epsom Derby? Delacroix has emerged as Aidan O'Brien's leading Derby hope (5/2 favourite with William Hill) following a classic, no-frills route through the Ballysax and Leopardstown trials. Consistently classy at two, he's been even more convincing this season, doing everything asked of him with minimal fuss. His campaign has echoes of past Ballydoyle champions, and with Ryan Moore seemingly leaning his way, Delacroix arrives with form, pedigree and stable belief firmly on side. The Lion In Winter (6/1 various bookmakers) looked a serious Derby contender after his Acomb Stakes win but saw his momentum stall with a lacklustre run in the Dante, where early keenness cost him dearly. Despite that setback, the son of Sea The Stars has been backed again in the market, hinting that connections haven't lost faith. With his proven Group-race form and a bounce-back performance potentially on the cards, he remains an intriguing Epsom contender - though stable confidence seems to have shifted elsewhere. Ruling Court burst into the Derby conversation by winning the 2000 Guineas, a performance that showcased his grit and stamina over the Rowley Mile. He is a best price of 4/1 with various bookmakers. That run suggested a step up to 1m4f might bring out even more, and while he was turned over by The Lion In Winter as a juvenile, he's taken significant steps forward this year. With Triple Crown whispers in the air, this Justify colt could be the one to stay on strongest if Epsom turns into a test. Pride Of Arras is the dark horse turned serious player, making a sensational seasonal return to win the Dante on his first start in nearly 10 months. That effort was full of authority and style, marking him out as a rapidly improving colt with the perfect profile for a Derby shock. From 50/1 outsider to 9/2 third favourite (William Hill), he's the form horse with momentum and mystery - exactly the type to spring a surprise at Epsom. Epsom Derby Odds Here are the odds to win the 2025 Epsom Derby: Delacroix - 5/2 Pride of Arras - 4/1 Ruling Court - 11/2 The Lion In winter - 8/1 Lambourn - 10/1 Midak - 11/1 Damysus - 14/1 Stanhope Gardens - 18/1 Tennessee Stud - 25/1 Nightwalker - 33/1 BAR - 40/1 Gamble responsibly Article continues below Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit
Irish Examiner
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Delacroix can burn off Derby rivals
Delacroix was beaten more often than he won as a juvenile, but Aidan O'Brien's colt has taken his form to a new level this season and can confirm his status as a truly top-class performer by giving his trainer a record-extending 11th victory in the Betfred Derby, this year being run in memory of Aga Khan IV. In five outings last season, he won a maiden at the second time of asking and a Group 3 in Newmarket, but was beaten in a maiden, a Group 2, and a Group 1. Those latter defeats, however, were in tight finishes and the evidence of his two runs to date this season suggest he is a more mature sort, who now knows how to win consistently. After an easy victory in the Group 3 Ballysax on return, he went to the Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial, and one couldn't help but be impressed with the way he pinned back his ears and sprinted to the line to win emphatically. That was his most impressive performance to date, and it showed he possesses the type of pace which will be a great help at Epsom. The extra two furlongs of the Derby is an unknown but there is no reason to be massively concerned about it. He is by Dubawi, out of a dam who has already produced the winner of the 14-furlong Prix de Royallieu, and everything points to him having little problem with the trip. He can continue his ascent through the racing ranks by taking this under Ryan Moore, who is bidding for a fifth win in the race. Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court is his closest market rival and while there is enough evidence in his breeding to suggest he will stay the trip, it is a concern that he has never yet raced beyond a mile. Stepping up that far demands an entirely different style of racing and that, allied to the fact he has worn a tongue-tie in both starts to date at three and will do so again at Epsom, is reason enough to skip over him. Dante winner Pride Of Arras has done nothing wrong in his two outings to date and probably did well to win the Dante as well as he did, considering his inexperience and how strangely that race was run. Virtually the entire field still held some chance at the furlong pole, so being able to prevail with more than a length to spare says plenty about his ability. He had Damysus (runner-up) and Lion In Winter (sixth, beaten four lengths) behind him that day, but the question is whether they should have been beaten further considering the way both went through the race. The answer is that, ideally, they should have been, which suggests they could get a lot closer this time, but the winner was having his first run of the season and only second of his career, so there must be every chance he can improve at least as much as they do for the outing. He can confirm the form with them, though The Lion In Winter was a brilliant two-year-old and likely to step up even further now trying a mile and a half for the first time. Lambourn did well to win the Chester Vase but that doesn't look like the strongest trial for this race, while French raiders Midak and New Ground have something to find on what they have thus far achieved, though the latter is worth considering as an each-way bet at colossal odds. Stanhope Gardens, who is closely tied in with Delacroix on Newmarket Group 3 form from last season, is not entirely without hope, given there is plenty of stamina in his pedigree, but he, like Ruling Court, is having his first run beyond a mile. In an intriguing contest, which probably isn't the strongest renewal we've seen in recent years, the progressive Delacroix can extend Aidan O'Brien's hold on the race by giving him, and Ryan Moore, a third consecutive victory in the premier Classic.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP
It looks like this one could be written in the stars MATT CHAPMAN With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Aga wins the Aga Derby. That's fairytale stuff, isn't it? I'm not so sure. I'm talking, of course, about Midak, one of the French raiders supplemented into Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Derby, the world's most famous Classic beamed to you live on ITV. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Kings of Epsom - Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien - have an obvious chance with Delacroix... but I don't think they'll win the Derby Credit: PA Derby Day should always be something special for anyone who loves the thoroughbred. For many it's the ultimate test of the Flat racehorse, and it has tested the best. Winners like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Nashwan and Sea The Stars... as well as those in defeat like Dancing Brave and El Gran Senor. The twists and turns are one thing, the stamina test over a mile and a half of the Epsom Downs another. Will he stay? That will be the question many ask about the majority of today's runners. It's certainly a doubt for 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court, who was hardly mentioned after being chased home by fast-finishing Field of Gold at HQ. Could it just be Ruling Court was the best horse for William Buick and Charlie Appleby? Time will tell. Delacroix really should stay for the Derby King of Trainers, Aidan O'Brien. But Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial victor Delacroix is by Dubawi. In itself that is no bad thing. But the super stallion has had nine runners to date in seven different editions of the Derby and none of them has finished in the first four. Dubawi himself ran in the 2005 Derby, eventually going down eight lengths to Motivator. That was six years after his sire, Dubai Millennium, met the only defeat of his career when sent off the favourite for the Derby. Pride of Arras has only raced twice but looked very useful when romping home from Damysus in a slowly run Dante at York which saw The Lion In Winter pull his chance away in the first two furlongs. Ralph Beckett's challenger, ridden by Hector Crouch, is bred to stay and could be the real deal for owner-breeder Mrs David Aykroyd. Her colours are also carried by Amiloc, who hacked up at Goodwood the other day but can't run here as he's been gelded. Lambourn is a similar type to Los Angeles who ran well behind stable companion City of Troy last year. Another O'Brien raider, Lambourn is proven over further having landed the Chester Vase but he was beaten by Delacroix in the Ballysax. The other I want to mention, before I get on to Midak, is Stanhope Gardens, who is another for Beckett and has always appeared to be a Derby type. Last season Stanhope Gardens was only beaten a neck by Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. That puts him bang in the mix. The son of Ghaiyyath is bred to stay well and had effectively a racecourse gallop at Salisbury the other day when winning an event put on especially for him. But let's get back to my French fancy Midak. 2 Mickael Barzalona celebrates riding Pour Moi to victory in Derby - and I think he'll be doing the same on Midak... though maybe not quite so early! Credit: PA:Empics Sport He runs in the colours of Aga Khan Studs SCEA in a Derby run in memory of His Highness Aga Khan IV. That means he carries the green and red silks that have been worn at Epsom by legends like Shergar, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand. So, naturally, a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak victory would be fairytale stuff under Mickaël Barzalona, who won this on Pour Moi in 2011. Midak is out of a mare by Sinndar and is already very useful. My hope is unbeaten in three races and his form suggests he's a solid, improving Group 2 horse, having scored well over an extended 1m2f at Saint-Cloud last time. He kept on well that day suggesting this trip would suit and of course he's bred for it. 'He's definitely a horse improving with his races and will definitely get the trip,' explained Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs. 'We're not sure on his form lines and how it stacks up, but all he can do is win and he's won every start. 'He's going to have to handle the track and he's a big horse with a big, long stride. Mickael Barzalona thinks he will handle the track because he's well balanced. 'We would be very happy to see him finish in the first three or even first five, but he is a bit of an unknown quantity and he does everything easily at home. It's a little bit of a shot in the dark, but we thought it was worth it.' It's the type of Derby to simply 'have a go'. And there would be no more poignant victory than one for Midak. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
With questions over many I have every confidence in my massive 14-1 Epsom Derby NAP
THE Aga wins the Aga Derby. That's fairytale stuff, isn't it? I'm not so sure. I'm talking, of course, about Midak , one of the French raiders supplemented into Saturday's Group 1 Betfred Derby, the world's most famous Classic beamed to you live on ITV. Advertisement 2 The Kings of Epsom - Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien - have an obvious chance with Delacroix... but I don't think they'll win the Derby Credit: PA Derby Day should always be something special for anyone who loves the thoroughbred. For many it's the ultimate test of the Flat racehorse, and it has tested the best. Winners like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Nashwan and Sea The Stars... as well as those in defeat like Dancing Brave and El Gran Senor. The twists and turns are one thing, the stamina test over a mile and a half of the Epsom Downs another. Advertisement Will he stay? That will be the question many ask about the majority of today's runners. It's certainly a doubt for 2,000 Guineas hero Ruling Court , who was hardly mentioned after being chased home by fast-finishing Field of Gold at HQ. Could it just be Ruling Court was the best horse for William Buick and Charlie Appleby? Time will tell. Delacroix really should stay for the Derby King of Trainers, Aidan O'Brien. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing But Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial victor Delacroix is by Dubawi. In itself that is no bad thing. But the super stallion has had nine runners to date in seven different editions of the Derby and none of them has finished in the first four. Dubawi himself ran in the 2005 Derby, eventually going down eight lengths to Motivator. Advertisement That was six years after his sire, Dubai Millennium, met the only defeat of his career when sent off the favourite for the Derby. Pride of Arras has only raced twice but looked very useful when romping home from Damysus in a slowly run Dante at York which saw The Lion In Winter pull his chance away in the first two furlongs. Ralph Beckett's challenger, ridden by Hector Crouch, is bred to stay and could be the real deal for owner-breeder Mrs David Aykroyd. Her colours are also carried by Amiloc, who hacked up at Goodwood the other day but can't run here as he's been gelded. Advertisement Lambourn is a similar type to Los Angeles who ran well behind stable companion City of Troy last year. Another O'Brien raider, Lambourn is proven over further having landed the Chester Vase but he was beaten by Delacroix in the Ballysax. The other I want to mention, before I get on to Midak, is Stanhope Gardens , who is another for Beckett and has always appeared to be a Derby type. Last season Stanhope Gardens was only beaten a neck by Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. That puts him bang in the mix. Advertisement The son of Ghaiyyath is bred to stay well and had effectively a racecourse gallop at Salisbury the other day when winning an event put on especially for him. But let's get back to my French fancy Midak . 2 Mickael Barzalona celebrates riding Pour Moi to victory in Derby - and I think he'll be doing the same on Midak... though maybe not quite so early! Credit: PA:Empics Sport He runs in the colours of Aga Khan Studs SCEA in a Derby run in memory of His Highness Aga Khan IV. Advertisement That means he carries the green and red silks that have been worn at Epsom by legends like Shergar, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar and Harzand. So, naturally, a Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Midak victory would be fairytale stuff under Mickaël Barzalona, who won this on Pour Moi in 2011. Midak is out of a mare by Sinndar and is already very useful. My hope is unbeaten in three races and his form suggests he's a solid, improving Group 2 horse, having scored well over an extended 1m2f at Saint-Cloud last time. Advertisement He kept on well that day suggesting this trip would suit and of course he's bred for it. 'He's definitely a horse improving with his races and will definitely get the trip,' explained Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs. 'We're not sure on his form lines and how it stacks up, but all he can do is win and he's won every start. 'He's going to have to handle the track and he's a big horse with a big, long stride. Mickael Barzalona thinks he will handle the track because he's well balanced. Advertisement 'We would be very happy to see him finish in the first three or even first five, but he is a bit of an unknown quantity and he does everything easily at home. It's a little bit of a shot in the dark, but we thought it was worth it.' It's the type of Derby to simply 'have a go'. And there would be no more poignant victory than one for Midak. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Rhyl Journal
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
O'Brien keeping Derby options open
The Ballydoyle handler has enjoyed a superb run of results in recognised trials for the Epsom Classic, including victories for new ante-post favourite Delacroix, Lambourn, Mount Kilimanjaro and Puppet Master. He suffered a rare setback when The Lion In Winter could only finish sixth in the Dante at York on his seasonal debut but the son of Sea The Stars is still very much on course for a crack at the Derby. O'Brien said: 'Obviously the lads will decide. We'll discuss what we have and where we are. 'At the moment, it could be the horse from the Vase in Chester (Lambourn), it could be Delacroix and the horse from the Dante (The Lion In Winter). 'Maybe all three will run and then obviously we have the two Lingfield horses (Puppet Master and runner-up Stay True). 'They just have to decide what they want to keep back for Ascot, there is a three-year-old mile-and-a-quarter race, a mile-and-a-half and a mile-and-six at Ascot. 'We'll see how they are all working, talk to Ryan (Moore) and then decide. 'At the moment, Delacroix has gone that route all the time and that's the route our other horses went before they went (to Epsom). 'Everything has been good with him and obviously he doesn't look a slow horse but his sister, by Galileo, got a mile-and-six so you would hope that the Derby distance would be within his range.' Delacroix readily landed the Leopardstown Derby Trial last time out and before that had subsequent Chester and Lingfield scorers Lambourn and Puppet Master in behind when taking the Ballysax at that course. 'They were second and fourth to him in the Ballysax and they came out and ran well in their trials as well,' added O'Brien. The Lion In Winter ran too freely in the Dante following a long lay-off and the trainer admitted: 'We always thought what happened at York could happen but he needed to run if he was going to go to the Derby.' When it was put to him that Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy bounced back from disappointing three-year-old debuts to win the Derby in recent years, he added: 'Obviously they were two exceptional horses and I got it very wrong with them on their first run. 'Because they were so good they were able to come back and do what they did. It's not the first time and won't be the last time. 'We were very happy with the run (from The Lion In Winter), he did exactly what we thought could happen. He jumped, he was fresh and things didn't work. 'He got stopped halfway down the straight and he would have been probably a good third easily. If he hadn't jumped into the bridle and wanted to tear off early, that would have been another couple of lengths. 'Ryan did the right thing, he said 'come back and do this right, this is a trial today'.'
