The Epsom Derby is the most prestigious of the five British Classics in Flat racing. It is run over a distance of 1m4f at Epsom Racecourse, and it attracts the best three-year-old horses from across Europe.

This year’s race is set to be a great renewal. Here is a look at the best bets for the contest.

Military Order the One to Beat

[source]

Trainer Charlie Appleby and owners Godolphin have teamed up to win the Derby twice. Masar prevailed for them in 2018, while in 2021, the royal blue silks were carried to success in the British Classic by Adayar.

Military Order represents their best chance of bringing up a hat trick in 2023. The son of Frankel is the 4/1 favourite in the Epsom the Derby betting. He has held that position ever since he prevailed in the Lingfield Derby Trial.

What was most striking about that victory on the all-weather surface at Lingfield, was how strong he was inside the closing couple of furlongs. He outbattled the second horse and he improved as the race progressed. Unlike many of his opponents in the Derby, he has proven his stamina.

After getting beat on his debut at Newcastle over a distance that was too short for him, Military Order has now recorded three consecutive victories. There looks set to be a lot more to come from him, especially over the Derby distance of 1m4f.

Arrest Could Give Frankie a Magical Farewell

Two-time Derby winner jockey Frankie Dettori is in the final season of his career in the saddle. The Italian-born rider is regarded as one of the best riders of his generation. His last success in the race came in 2015 onboard Golden Horn. He is set to partner Arrest this year in what will be his final ride in the Epsom contest. 

[source]

Arrest put himself in the Derby picture with a dominant performance in the Chester Vase Stakes at the Chester May Meeting. He cruised to victory in the 1m4½f, the same race in which Shergar and Ruler of the World both won before landing the British Classic. The Chester winner is now 9/1 to follow what those two horses achieved.

John and Thady Gosden’s runner is a well-bred colt who will also appreciate the Derby distance. He raced four times as a two-year-old, with two wins going his way and a second-place finish in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud in France. He came home just a head behind the winner in that race.

Arrest was fortunate to have a racecourse gallop at Epsom with Dettori on board in his preparation for the Derby. He worked well in that piece of work. That should ensure he will be familiar with Epsom when he arrives there for the biggest test of his career. His jockey knows exactly what to expect, and with all the experience he has in the saddle, he will relish the big occasion on what will be his farewell to the British Classic.

The 2023 Epsom Derby takes place on the 3rd of June, and it will feature at the earlier time of 1.30 pm this year.

Scroll to top