2026 Epsom Derby Tips - Best bets and 1-2-3 predictions for Epsom
The 2026 Epsom Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races globally, features Benvenuto Cellini as the current favorite despite a wide draw, with concerns over softer ground conditions. Other top contenders include Pierre Bonnard and James J Braddock, the latter being the expert’s value pick thanks to proven performance on softer ground and strong preparation by trainer Joseph O'Brien. The article breaks down the latest odds, runners, and key draw statistics, ultimately predicting James J Braddock for the win, followed by Cellini and Pierre Bonnard.
- Free guide to the 2026 Epsom Derby
- This famous Classic takes place at Epsom on Saturday 6th June
- James J Braddock features in our selections
- 2026 Epsom Derby Odds
- 2026 Epsom Derby Runners
- 2026 Epsom Derby Draw
- 2026 Epsom Derby Tips
- Epsom Derby 1-2-3 Predictions
- Live Stream
Derby Guide
One of the world's most famous sporting events takes place at Epsom in early June, as a talented field of colts battles it out in the Epsom Derby. The Derby was first run on the famous Epsom Downs in 1780, and many legendary horses have claimed victory in this fabled Classic.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Epsom Derby, including the latest odds, draw and best betting tips.
2026 Epsom Derby Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Benvenuto Cellini | 2/1 |
| Item | 9/2 |
| Pierre Bonnard | 5/1 |
| Maltese Cross | 11/1 |
| James J Braddock | 12/1 |
| Bar | 14/1 |
2026 Epsom Derby Runners
Aidan O'Brien grabbed a stranglehold on the Epsom Derby betting following the trials in Britain and Ireland. Benvenuto Cellini was one of Ballydoyle's top juveniles last term, and shot straight to the head of the Derby market following a fine reappearance victory in the Chester Vase.
Pierre Bonnard was expected to make his own Derby statement in the trial at Leopardstown that weekend. However, the odds-on favourite was beaten by Joseph O'Brien's James J Braddock, who leapt into Derby contention with an impressive victory.
Aidan O'Brien is further represented by Action, second in the Dante Stakes at York, and Christmas Day, who won the Ballysax Stakes on his reappearance before a third-place finish at York.
The remaining five runners are all available at 150/1 or bigger. Balzac finished a distant third in the trials at Epsom and Lingfield. Rebel Rocker placed second to Saxon Street in the Blue Ribband Trial. Poker, A Taste Of Glory and Alderman are rated no higher than 84, but have been allowed to take their chance in Saturday's Classic.
Aidan O'Brien is further represented by Action, second in the Dante Stakes at York, and Christmas Day, who won the Ballysax Stakes on his reappearance before a third-place finish at York.
Item took down Aidan O'Brien's contenders to claim an impressive victory in the Dante Stakes and Andrew Balding's star splits Benvenuto Cellini and Pierre Bonnard in the betting. William Haggas' Maltese Cross will head to Epsom after winning the Derby Trial at Lingfield.
Bay Of Brilliance finished second in that trial on his first start of the season, and Ralph Beckett looks set to roll the dice and send his lightly-raced colt to Epsom. Newmarket Stakes winner Ancient Egypt will represent Charlie Johnston and Amo Racing.
Bay Of Brilliance finished second in that trial on his first start of the season, and Ralph Beckett looks set to roll the dice and send his lightly-raced colt to Epsom. Newmarket Stakes winner Ancient Egypt will represent Charlie Johnston and Amo Racing.
The remaining five runners are all available at 150/1 or bigger. Balzac finished a distant third in the trials at Epsom and Lingfield. Rebel Rocker placed second to Saxon Street in the Blue Ribband Trial. Poker, A Taste Of Glory and Alderman are rated no higher than 84, but have been allowed to take their chance in Saturday's Classic.
2026 Epsom Derby Draw
Aidan O'Brien's record in the Derby is excellent and Benvenuto Cellini looks to be the stand-out in this year's contest. Some were quick to crab his chances when Ryan Moore's mount was handed a wide draw in stall 12. However, recent stats suggest that the favourite could be perfectly placed to challenge.
Only three of the last 15 Derby winners were drawn lower than stall seven. Camelot faced only eight rivals when he won the 2012 Derby from stall five. Adayar and City Of Troy both managed to win from stall one.
Eight of the last 15 winners were drawn in double-figure stalls, and 40% of the top-four placers were drawn in stall 10 or wider. That final stat might suggest that a lower draw is more favourable, but when you consider that the average Derby field over the last 15 years is 14, then it's clear to see that horses drawn wide vastly outperform their counterparts.
Stall 12 is no concern at all for Benvenuto Cellini. The ground, on the other hand, could pose a problem for the favourite. The going at Epsom is currently good to soft, soft in places, and further rain has been forecast on Thursday and again on Saturday. O'Brien's star struggled on heavy ground in the Futurity Trophy, and connections have stated since that this fluid galloper is at his best on a sound surface.
2026 Epsom Derby Tips
Pierre Bonnard won his Group One on heavy French ground, and money has arrived for Aidan O'Brien's second string this week. JAMES J BRADDOCK (12/1) has beaten Pierre Bonnard twice already this season, and is currently available at almost three times his rival's price.
Following a solid runner-up finish on his racecourse debut at Navan, James J Braddock bolted up in a heavy-ground maiden at the Curragh on his final juvenile start in November. Joseph O'Brien threw his colt into the Ballysax Stakes on his reappearance, and Joey Sheridan's mount ran on well from the rear to finish a never-nearer fifth behind Christmas Day.
Dylan Browne McMonagle had to wait for the gaps to open before angling off the rail in the Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial. Once he found daylight again, James J Braddock quickly shifted into top gear and charged home to pip Pierre Bonnard to the post.
Connections seem delighted with James J Braddock's preparations, and the prospect of softer ground appears to excite them further. Zarak has produced Classic winners on home soil, and James J Braddock's dam stayed a mile and a half on soft French turf. Joseph O'Brien is brilliant at readying horses for high-profile assignments. I think James J Braddock is the best value bet in this year's Epsom Derby.
Epsom Derby 1-2-3 Predictions
I'm going to go with James J Braddock as my Epsom Derby winner. Despite a preference for better ground, Benvenuto Cellini's class should be enough to see him challenge in what looks to be a weak Epsom Derby. Pierre Bonnard could then complete the podium places.
1st - James J Braddock
2nd - Benvenuto Cellini
3rd - Pierre Bonnard
Live Stream
Visit our Epsom Derby Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Saturday's races at Epsom via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
James J Braddock is our each-way selection in the 2026 Epsom Derby.
James J Braddock E/W
2026 Epsom Derby
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