Benvenuto Cellini led the Betfred Derby with 14 declarations as Aidan O’Brien launched a four-strong attack for a record 12th success in the Epsom Classic.
The Ballydoyle owner has proven unbeatable at Surrey Downs in recent years as this year’s contingent attempts a fourth successive win for the Irish, following respective wins by Auguste Rodin (2023), City Of Troy (2024) and Lambourn (2025).
Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini will be joined by stablemates Pierre Bonnard, Action and Christmas Day, with Pierre Bonnard being the highest rated despite yet to be in full form this term, with the latter pair finishing second and third respectively on Dante.
York’s winner that day was Item, one of two in the race for Andrew Balding along with A Taste Of Glory. Bookmakers regard him as the likely challenger for the Ballydoyle-trained favorite, who has strengthened his unbeaten record at Knavesmire.
William Haggas’ Maltese Cross is 2-2 this year ahead of Ralph Beckett’s Bay Of Brilliance and will sound the horn again at Surrey Downs, while Charlie Johnston’s Ancient Egypt is another impressive British-trained contender in the Newmarket Stakes.
Also heading to Epsom on high is Joseph O’Brien’s James J Braddock, who knocked out the aforementioned Pierre Bonnard at Leopardstown, and will be looking to deliver another big blow in a race his handler has won twice as a jockey in Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014).
Jane Chapple-Hyam and Faye Bramley will be seeking to become the first female trainers to win the Derby with Balzac and Rebel Rocker under saddle respectively, while the field is completed by Karl Burke’s 4.3 million guinea annual Poker and Richard Hannon’s Alderman, both entering the race as maidens.
Amelia Earhart heads up the Oaks field as Precise is eliminated.
Impressive Cheshire Oaks winner Amelia Earhart will lead Aidan O’Brien’s quest for a 12th win in the Betfred Oaks after the Ballydoyle handler held off Precise in the final declaration stage.
O’Brien, who first won the race with Shahtoush in 1998, is at the forefront of a three-pronged attack with the Chester winner as nine declared for the second filly classic of the season.
The all-conquering trainer has won the race 11 times and has won seven of the last 11 renewals, including Minnie Hauk in last year’s run.
Minnie Hauk defeated stablemate Whirl in last year’s Oaks.
Lingfield Oaks Trial winners Cameo and Sugar Island will join Amelia Earhart in Friday’s race and complete the quartet as one of four Irish raiders along with Joseph O’Brien’s Thundering On, winner of the Salsabil Stakes at Navan last time out by a wide margin.
Ralph Beckett gives three of the home team with Wathnan Racing’s A La Prochaine, K Sarra and On Message looking to add to his previous two wins in the race with Look Here (2008) and Talent (2013).
Charlie Johnston’s 1000 Guineas third Venetian Lace adds strength to a home defense that includes John and Thady Gosden’s Musidora winner Legacy Link, while he will be ridden by Juddmonte’s retainer rider Colin Keane.
Amelia Earhart leads the betting after winning two games in a row at Chester last month. Legacy Link and fellow Irish challenger Thundering On are the next best options on the market.
