Classed as the greatest flat race in the world, today Epsom plays host to the Investec Derby. Named after the 12th Earl of Derby who won it on the toss of a coin against Sir Charles Bunbury in 1779, Sir Charles went on to win the first Derby in 1780 with his horse Diomed. It is the richest race in Britain with a prize pot of £1,545,000, today it runs at 4.30 with sixteen runners and riders, and the going is good to soft.
Aidan O’Brien who had a good win in yesterday’s Oaks with Minding is back today with five horses running in the Derby, the most talked about this morning is US Army Ranger, but he also has Shogun, Port Douglas, Idaho and Deauville in the running. He’d like to the double and with five running there’s a good chance he will. Boylesports have offered 66/1 on O’Brien having the three top horses today, and 6/4 that at he wins with one of his five.
What’s so special about US Army Ranger? Well, he’s unbeaten in his only two starts, the ground favours him, and on his last outing he got the better of his stablemate Port Douglas, who is also running today. Port Douglas is put back in blinkers today to help him focus on the running, he only lost by a head to his stablemate last time so this should put him firmly back on track. Deauville is also in good form and the three of them may just have the edge on the other runners, which would give a massive boost to the yard.
Wings of Desire is favourite with the bookies today, the John Gosden trained horse should like the ground after the rain this week and Frankie Dettori will be riding him today. Odds for Wings of Desire are 11/2 with Coral. US Army Ranger is second favourite with odds of 6/1 with Ladbrokes, which are good odds, Ulysses is third favourite, interestingly no horse with a name beginning with U has ever won the derby, his odds are 9/1 with Paddy Power. Port Douglas is 20/1 with Coral and Deauville is 16/1 with Boylesports.
As ever, get those early prices and Good Luck today.