Epsom Derby Day Tips

Derby Day at Epsom is one of the highlights of the British racing calendar, with a stellar card for racegoers to enjoy in Surrey on Saturday afternoon.

The Derby itself is a hugely historic race, having been held at the Surrey course for a remarkable 245 years. The free entry for the inner course makes the event even more unique, providing families the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day of racing, with seven races in total on the card.

Wet weather is projected for Derby Day, with thunderstorms presenting the possibility of disruption, but a top class cast of runners and riders will bring in the punters. 

Read below for a preview of the Epsom card courtesy of Racing TV, who offer the latest horse racing free bet offers.

13:00 Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Fillies’ And Mares’ Group 3)

The opening race of the day will see 11 runners taking the just over a mile trip for this Group 3 contest. The two favourites for the race look to be Royal Dress and Skellet, with little to choose between this pair, the latter’s scope for improvement this season and form on softer ground gives her the edge for this contest.

13:35 Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3)

For this second Group 3 contest, this race has an interesting triple Group 3 winner from Germany, in the form of Geography. However, a lack of UK experience and inclement weather conditions on good to soft ground suggests the likes of Persica, could fare better, having won in similar conditions in April at Newmarket.

14:10 Betfred 3yo ‘Dash’ Handicap

A large field will line up for the third race, which is a 5f ‘Dash’ which is the only Class 3 race of the afternoon. Mademoiselle looks a progressive type and made a strong second-placed start to this season having finished 2024 in fine form with two wins, although this is a step up in class.

14:45 Aston Martin ‘Dash’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Another short race to precede the main event of the afternoon, with this one being a Class 2 contest. Oisin Murphy’s presence on board Jer Batt is a positive indicator for a horse who is also on a competitive mark for trainers David & Nicola Barron, making this one to watch.

15:30 Betfred Derby (Group 1)

One of the highlights of the season, The Derby is run over 1m4f with prize money of £909,628 for the winner making it the richest race of the British Flat season. 

Vying for this prize will be the leading trainers and jockeys, with the combination of Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore winning an 11th Oaks for O’Brien on Friday, a feat they could repeat for the Derby. They will combine to boost Delacroix’s hopes, but Pride Of Arras is a huge hope after just two races for Ralph Beckett and good pedigree for this trip.

16:15 Encore Lifestyle Northern Dancer Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Up next, another race run over 1m4f, but this time a handicap. An interesting contest, but with a favourite who has gone well in the mud for Ralph Beckett, it will be hard to look past Valvano, who also has handicap form.

17:00 Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Lester Piggott Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

The penultimate race of the day is a Class 2 with a £38k prize for the winner, to keep the punters entertained following the main event. Despite a disappointing handicap debut, Hornsea Bay has since been gelded and could go well under Danny Tudhope.

17:40 JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap

The final race of the day, and the 2025 Derby meeting, is a 6f sprint. For this, Eye Of Dubai looks like an interesting proposition for a yard which has won this race twice before, and has two Class 2 wins under their belt to call upon when checking the form book.

Selections:

13:00 – Skellet – 9/2

13:35 – Persica – 5/2

14:10 – Mademoiselle – 6/1

14:45 – Jer Batt – 13/2

15:30 – Pride of Arras – 5/1

16:15 – Valvano – 9/2

17:00 – Hornsea Bay – 11/2

17:40 – Eye Of Dubai – 13/2

Image: Horses racing Image: Credit Paul. CC BY 2.0