Derby Day Drama: Delacroix Heads Wide-Open Market for Epsom Derby Glory
Saturday 7 June, 3:30pm – Epsom Downs
It’s nearly that time again – the 2025 Epsom Derby is on the horizon, and with it comes the annual mix of form debates, breeding bluster and the kind of last-minute market moves that leave punters frantically checking odds in the queue for a sausage roll. As the fourth of the five Classics of the Flat season, and the undisputed crown jewel of the Derby Festival at Epsom Downs, this year’s renewal on Saturday 7 June promises to deliver plenty of plot twists.
With Britain’s richest Flat race comes the kind of prestige that defines equine careers and bolsters stud fees for generations. The Derby isn’t just a test of class – it’s the gateway to greatness. But if you’re expecting a nailed-on superstar like City Of Troy to dominate proceedings, think again. The 2025 edition is wide open, with form lines intertwining like spaghetti and stamina doubts plaguing even the most fancied contenders.
So, who’s leading the betting charge? And which colt might just tear up the script when they thunder down the Epsom straight? One thing’s for sure – now’s a fine time to get involved, especially with Parimatch, one of the most exciting bookmakers around, offering new punters a tidy Bet £5 Get £30 in free bets. Not a bad deal if you’re hoping to back a potential Derby legend without dipping too far into your wallet.
The Favourite: Delacroix Takes Centre Stage
Emerging from Ballydoyle with minimal fuss and maximum expectation, Delacroix has been catapulted into outright favouritism for this year’s Derby. Currently hovering around 5/2 with the more generous bookmakers, the colt has taken the tried-and-tested route of O’Brien’s previous Epsom greats – quietly collecting the Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial without ever really breaking a sweat.
A classy juvenile with form that always hinted at bigger things, Delacroix has stepped forward again at three. There’s no razzle-dazzle in his racing – more a businesslike efficiency that you often see in O’Brien-trained champions. The fact Ryan Moore is expected to side with him says plenty about the stable’s confidence, especially given the other Ballydoyle options floating about.
With pedigree, progression and poise all ticking boxes, Delacroix looks every inch the worthy market leader – though, as ever at Epsom, nothing is a foregone conclusion.
Second String or Serious Contender? The Lion In Winter Drifts
At one stage, The Lion In Winter was shaping as the potential Ballydoyle star of the season. His win in the Acomb Stakes marked him out as one to follow, and early Derby markets reflected that buzz. But racing, like politics, is never a straight line.
His most recent outing in the Dante left many scratching their heads. Keen through the early stages, he paid the price late on, weakening tamely out of contention. That performance raised a few eyebrows – and more than a few doubts. Unsurprisingly, the market reacted, pushing him out to around 6/1 with most firms, even as some punters still sniff around for free bet value.
While some of the shine has come off, it’s worth remembering that class doesn’t disappear overnight. The Lion In Winter remains a Group-level performer with a notable juvenile win and a strong pedigree. Should he settle better at Epsom and rediscover his rhythm, there’s still time for redemption – although it seems clear that stable momentum has shifted firmly towards Delacroix.
Guineas Hero Ruling Court Brings Stamina and Steel
Every Derby year seems to produce a Classic winner stepping up in trip and daring to dream of something historic – and in 2025, Ruling Court is that horse. His gritty victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket showed real determination and stamina, suggesting that a step up to the Derby trip could unlock even more.
Trained by a yard well-versed in handling Guineas winners, this Justify colt has progressed significantly from two to three, building a profile that balances toughness with talent. His price hovers around 4/1 with most firms – not quite favourite, but close enough to scare the top of the market.
He was beaten by The Lion In Winter as a juvenile, but like many in the three-year-old division, he’s improved markedly since then. If the Derby turns into a war of attrition, Ruling Court might be the one still powering up the hill while flashier types are crying for mercy.
Add in the murmurings of a potential Triple Crown tilt, and the Epsom stage suddenly takes on even more significance for this fast-improving colt.
Pride Of Arras: From Sidelined to Spotlight
Every Derby needs its wildcard – the horse who wasn’t on anyone’s radar until the last minute, then bursts into the conversation with the force of a thunderclap. Enter Pride Of Arras, the Dante winner whose seasonal reappearance after nearly ten months off was nothing short of electrifying.
From 50/1 outsider to 9/2 third favourite, the transformation in his market position has been as dramatic as his performance. There was nothing flukey about his Dante win either – he travelled like a good horse, quickened stylishly and stayed on with real authority.
What makes Pride Of Arras such a compelling prospect is his mystery. We’ve only just scratched the surface of what he’s capable of. There’s no weight of expectation, no endless talk of pedigrees and preps – just a horse who’s peaking at the right time and who, on paper at least, has all the tools for Epsom.
Momentum counts for a lot in racing. And when the market speaks like it has here, it’s usually worth listening.
A Wide-Open Derby With No City Of Troy
The 2025 Epsom Derby comes without the towering presence of a standout like last year’s City Of Troy. There’s no horse scaring off opposition or shortening into odds-on by midweek. Instead, we’re left with an intriguing puzzle, made up of colts with contrasting form lines, variable stamina credentials and fluctuating reputations.
That’s what makes this year’s Derby such compelling fare. Delacroix has the profile, but not the dominance. Ruling Court has the toughness, but must prove it over 1m4f. The Lion In Winter has talent to burn, but only if he can calm the inner fire. And Pride Of Arras? He might just be the one galloping through the chaos to steal the show.
For punters, it’s a gift – a proper betting heat, where opinions are divided, prices are juicy, and free bet bonuses like Parimatch’s Bet £5 Get £30 offer can go a long way.
Final Thoughts: Time to Pick Your Derby Winner?
So, who wins it? Will it be Delacroix, the quiet storm from Ballydoyle, stepping into history with a flourish? Could Ruling Court stay on best of all and keep Triple Crown dreams alive? Maybe The Lion In Winter bounces back and silences the doubters. Or is it Pride Of Arras, the dark horse with a bright future?
Whatever your hunch, now’s the time to get your bets in, your analysis polished, and your excuses ready for when your pick finishes a gallant seventh.
One thing is certain: the 2025 Betfred Derby will be a race to savour. And with the leading UK bookies offering a wide range of free bet bonus incentives, there’s never been a better reason to throw your hat into the ring – or your pound into the pool.
Because at Epsom, form counts for plenty – but fortune still rules the turf.
