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With the Betfred-sponsored Epsom Derby set to return on 7th June 2025, all eyes are once again turning towards the leading stables of Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby, whose dominance in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. Between them, they have saddled seven of the last eight Derby winners, and once more, their latest charges are making headlines in the ante-post markets.
Aidan O’Brien, fresh off a record-extending tenth Derby triumph with City Of Troy, appears well-stocked for another serious assault on the Classic. His standout hopeful this year is The Lion In Winter, who leads the early betting and has generated considerable excitement following a flawless two-year-old campaign. Charlie Appleby, meanwhile, has just one early entry in Ruling Court, but with the Godolphin operation historically adding to their squad closer to race day, further firepower may yet emerge.
Other familiar names on the training circuit are also beginning to feature prominently in early discussions. Joseph O’Brien brings Tennessee Stud to the table, while Ralph Beckett, with a sizeable group of initial entries, has several prospects attracting attention at longer odds.
All Ante-Post Odds correct as of 9th April 2025
The Lion In Winter – Aidan O’Brien (7/2)
Having been ruled out of the Dewhurst Stakes with a minor setback, The Lion In Winter maintained his lofty reputation thanks to the form of those around him. His victory in the Acomb Stakes at York was commanding, and the strength of that Group 3 race has only grown with time—several rivals have gone on to claim Group success. He’s a front-runner with proven tenacity and class, and remains the standout pick from Ballydoyle.
Twain – Aidan O’Brien (10/1)
Still unbeaten, Twain burst onto the scene with a surprise win at Leopardstown on debut, but quickly followed that up with a Group 1 victory in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud. His pedigree suggests middle-distance potential, with staying power drawn from a family rich in Classic winners. He’s being considered for both the 2000 Guineas and Derby, but all signs suggest he’ll thrive over the longer trip at Epsom.
Stanhope Gardens – Ralph Beckett (33/1)
Seen as a late developer with a staying pedigree, Stanhope Gardens made significant strides at two, placing behind Ruling Court and then pushing the highly-rated Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes. Expected to improve markedly as a three-year-old, he’s on track for one of the traditional Derby trials. Rossa Ryan has already flagged him as a leading light in the Beckett stable.
Ruling Court – Charlie Appleby (12/1)
Appleby’s flagbearer for now, Ruling Court was a respectable third behind The Lion In Winter in the Acomb but reappeared in blistering form at Meydan, taking the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas with authority. A step up in trip is on the cards, likely in the Dante Stakes, and should he stay the additional distance, he would be a leading contender at Epsom.
Hotazhell – Jessica Harrington (40/1)
A seasoned performer as a juvenile, Hotazhell capped a busy campaign with victory in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, narrowly defeating Delacroix. With experience on his side and continued progress likely, he represents one of Ireland’s more intriguing contenders from outside the major yards.
Tennessee Stud – Joseph O’Brien (33/1)
A winner on deep ground in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, Tennessee Stud has the sort of tough, grinding profile suited to Epsom. Though his final two-year-old effort was workmanlike, conditions were difficult and he is expected to be much sharper this season.
Delacroix – Aidan O’Brien (14/1)
Bred in the purple, Delacroix is out of US turf star Tepin and has done little wrong in his five starts. His narrow defeat in the Futurity Trophy followed an earlier Group 3 success and a close duel with Stanhope Gardens. He may not be as flashy as some of his stablemates, but he looks solid and reliable.
Acapulco Bay – Aidan O’Brien (66/1)
Lightly raced and unexposed, Acapulco Bay hinted at ability with a maiden victory at The Curragh. There’s plenty of scope for development, and while he’s not yet tested at the highest level, his pedigree suggests he could be a serious improver.
Starzintheireyes – Ralph Beckett (33/1)
Unlikely as a Derby prospect on pedigree alone, this son of Starspangledbanner has already proven himself at ten furlongs, winning the Zetland Stakes impressively. His stamina credentials are strong, though questions remain over whether he has the change of gear required for Epsom.
With the Derby picture still evolving and spring trials on the horizon, much can change. However, early indicators suggest another thrilling renewal lies ahead, with familiar names and emerging stars vying for Classic glory.
