The Derby Runners 2023: 14 declared for Betfred Derby on Saturday

Owen McMahon

Jun 1

The Betfred Derby - the richest and most prestigious Flat race in Britain - is upon us.

Here's a rundown of all 14 runners and riders, plus their odds at time of publication, for Saturday's race at Epsom.

1. Adelaide River (Aidan O'Brien/Seamie Heffernan) - 50/1

One of three for Aidan O'Brien. Beaten comprehensively by Arrest - twice - and Dubai Mile already and has the widest draw of all. Hard to advise despite top connections.

2. Arrest (John & Thady Gosden/Frankie Dettori) - 6/1

Very impressive in winning the G3 Chester Vase Stakes last time out. There's doubts about how he'll handle the fast ground and coming from stall 13 - which hasn't produced a winner since 1988 - is far from ideal, but he remains a big player for an in-form yard.

3. Artistic Star (Ralph Beckett/Rob Hornby) - 33/1

Unbeaten in two starts, albeit in relatively modest contests. Hard to weigh up, but he's well-bred, has a great draw in stall 8 and his trainer is in sparkling form.

4. Auguste Rodin (Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore) - 11/4

A son of Deep Impact who was talked up by trainer Aidan O'Brien, who has a record eight Derby triumphs to his name, as a potential Triple Crown horse before a no-show in the 2000 Guineas. His two-year-old form is easily the best on offer and he should relish the step up to 1m4f. Drawn in box 10 - the winning-most stall in Derby history. Major chance if none the worse for his disappointing effort at Newmarket.

5. Dear My Friend (Charlie Johnston/Andrea Atzeni) - 66/1

Our rank outsider who was well-beaten in the Dante at York last time out. Frankly, it would be a major shock were he to win the Betfred Derby.

6. Dubai Mile (Charlie Johnston/Daniel Muscutt) - 14/1

The main hope for Charlie Johnston. Ran a good trial in the 2000 Guineas when a strong-finishing fifth, beaten just over 5L. Has always shaped like he wants this trip. Beat Arrest in France to cap a solid juvenile season. Chance.

7. King Of Steel (Roger Varian/Kevin Stott) - 40/1

Very unexposed but was battered by favourite Auguste Rodin in the G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster at the end of last season. Yet to run this season. Hard to advise.

8. Military Order (Charlie Appleby/William Buick) - 4/1

Good winner of a Derby Trial at Lingfield last month and the form of his novice win at Newbury a few weeks earlier has worked out brilliantly. He's the sole hope for top connections which automatically makes him dangerous. Leading chance.

9. Passenger (Sir Michael Stoute/Richard Kingscote) - 9/2

Better than the result suggested when third, beaten by 1½L, in the Dante. Supplemented for the Betfred Derby at a cost of just £85,000. Great chance.

10. San Antonio (Aidan O'Brien/Wayne Lordan) - 40/1

Son of Dubawi who won the Boodles Dee Stakes at Chester last time out, which looks strong form. Has a bit to find on some of the leading contenders but he's well connected and a big price. Each-way player.

11. Sprewell (Jessie Harrington/Shane Foley) - 10/1

Fascinating contender who brings strong Irish form to the table and should enjoy this step up in trip. Must have a fair chance of making Jessie Harrington the first female trainer to win the Derby.

12. The Foxes (Andrew Balding/Oisin Murphy) - 12/1

Won the Dante but the general consensus - backed up by noise from connections this week - is that he might not see out this trip. Great chance if he does, but maybe one for the each-way players.

13. Waipiro (Ed Walker/Tom Marquand) - 16/1

Unexposed but beaten comfortably enough by Military Order in a Derby Trial at Lingfield last time out. Has place claims but hard to advise from a win perspective.

14. White Birch (John Joseph Murphy/Colin Keane) - 12/1

Narrowly defeated by The Foxes in the Dante but is probably favourite to reverse that form over this trip, which must give him every chance of making the frame. Done no favours by the draw, mind, as no horse has ever won the Derby from stall 2.

Horse Racing Odds