Epsom Derby Picks – Horse Racing Odds, Betting Preview, and Predictions (Jun 6)
- When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 @ 11:00 AM ET
- Where: Epsom Downs, England
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV
A loaded day of horse racing action on June 6 is headlined by the Belmont Stakes in the U.S. However, one of the world’s most famous races is staged earlier in the afternoon, as the G1 Epsom Derby forms the middle leg of the UK Triple Crown.
The historic race inspired the Kentucky Derby, and the result on Saturday could have a major impact on the future of breeding operations worldwide. You can find the odds and our picks for the Derby here.
Epsom Derby Odds
| Horse | Moneyline |
|---|---|
| Benvenuto Cellini | +200 |
| Item | +333 |
| Pierre Bonnard | +500 |
| James J Braddock | +1000 |
| Other Selections | +1100 & Bigger |
Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 1 Mile 4 Furlongs |
| Purse | £1,000,000 |
| Most Successful Trainer | Aidan O’Brien (11) |
| Most Successful Jockey | Lester Piggott (9) |
ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026: Our Experts Share Their World Cup Picks
Epsom Derby: Recent Winners
- 2025: Lambourn (Wayne Lordan/Aidan O’Brien)
- 2024: City of Troy (Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien)
- 2023: Auguste Rodin (Ryan Moore/Aidan O’Brien)
- 2022: Desert Crown (Richard Kingscote/Sir Michael Stoute)
- 2021: Adayar (Adam Kirby/Charlie Appleby)
Epsom Derby: Betting Preview
One of the world’s most prestigious and historic races is set for the United Kingdom this Saturday, as the 2026 Epsom Derby will be staged. A competitive renewal is expected, with weather forecasts likely to ensure that the field will need to compete across a grueling mile and four furlongs on more testing ground than is typically the case.
Aidan O’Brien has won the last three editions of the Derby, meaning his contenders headline the betting. Benvenuto Cellini was excellent when winning the G3 Chester Vase by four lengths on reappearance. However, testing ground would be a major concern after he was beaten three lengths on heavy ground in the G1 Futurity Trophy at the end of last season.
Pierre Bonnard is the O’Brien horse that has been supported this week, despite the fact that the three-year-old was beaten by James J Braddock in the G3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown. A proven record on softer ground bodes well for his chances, and Moore has overlooked this ride.
Item is a leading contender for the Andrew Balding yard after maintaining his perfect record with an excellent two-length win in the G2 Dante Stakes. By Frankel, meaning he should get this trip, and Collin Keane is a notable booking aboard.
James J Baddock holds a form edge over a reappearing rival, while Maltese Cross and Ancient Egypt shouldn’t be overlooked after impressively winning when stepped up in distance. The former was a battling winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial, and William Haggas will be dreaming of a first Derby winner since 1996.
Epsom Derby Picks
It is always dangerous to take on O’Brien in the Classics, but I do like the chances of the lightly-raced Bay Of Brilliance. Connections were adamant that the New Bay colt would come on for the run when a neck second behind Maltese Cross in the Lingfield Derby Trial, and he has little to find with the same re-opposing rival.
He is already a winner over further than a mile, impressively running clear of the field on back-to-back starts at Redcar and Goodwood last season. The track shouldn’t pose any doubts, while the fact that he has winning form on softer ground is clearly a positive this weekend.
Free Pick:
