Trainer/jockey: Aidan O’Brien/Wayne Lordan, stall 11

Timeform rating: 125. Odds: 25-1

Pedigree: Frankel/Gossamer Wings (Scat Daddy)

This horse finished a close second to Hawk Mountain in the Group One Futurity on heavy ground at Doncaster last year, a performance that has been bolstered by the winner’s recent second-place finish in the French Derby and the wet conditions at Epsom. Last month, he also placed a respectable two-and-three-quarter lengths behind Item in the Dante Stakes at York. The increase in distance may help him improve further, although his dam’s pedigree does not suggest as much stamina as is often seen in O’Brien’s horses.

Richard Hannon/Pat Dobbs, stall 6

Timeform: 97p. Odds: 250-1

Pedigree: Study Of Man/Alagappa (Archipenko)

Progressing gradually through three starts, he recently finished four-and-a-quarter lengths behind Water To Wine over 11 furlongs at Newbury. However, the race being a maiden event raises doubts about his chances this Saturday, especially considering that the last Derby winner without a prior victory was Merry Hampton, who debuted in the Classic back in 1887.

Charlie Johnston/David Egan, stall 10

Timeform: 123p. Odds: 16-1

Pedigree: Frankel/Atone (Oasis Dream)

One of two colts sold for over a million at the prestigious Tattersalls Book 1 sale in October 2024, this horse is expected to justify his high purchase price. His pedigree is impressive, being by the legendary Frankel and out of a full sister to a multiple Group One winner. Despite a disappointing run in the Royal Lodge Stakes last season, he made a strong return with a convincing win in the Newmarket Stakes in early May. While history suggests that this race hasn’t produced a Derby winner from that contest since 1985, he appeared to handle the track well during the recent annual gallops. He also departs from a stall that has been historically successful, producing 11 winners, including last year’s Lambourn.

Andrew Balding/Jamie Spencer, stall 7

Timeform rating: 105. Odds: 300-1

Pedigree: Soldier Hollow/Aothea (Areion)

This €20k purchase represents a hopeful entry in Ahmad al-Sheikh’s colors, joining the ranks of previous long-shot entrants like Khalifa Sat (150-1) and Hoo Ya Mal (50-1). While Khalifa Sat and Hoo Ya Mal both managed second places in their respective Derby runs, Al Wasl Storm finished 15th last year. Currently, there’s little evidence in this horse’s form to suggest he will perform significantly better.

Jane Chapple-Hyam/Silvestre de Sousa, stall 2

Timeform: 112. Odds: 150-1

Pedigree: Japan/Brit Wit (High Chaparral)

His only victory in four attempts came in an all-weather maiden at Kempton in April. Since then, he has faced defeats in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom and against Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance at Lingfield, finishing six-and-a-half lengths behind the runner-up. Even considering the strength of the form, it seems unlikely he can surpass either of the top two. Historically, stall two has not produced a winner since the introduction of stalls in 1967, and this year appears to follow that trend.

Ralph Beckett/Hector Crouch, stall 9

Timeform: 128p. Odds: 16-1

Pedigree: New Bay/Incroyable (Singspiel)

In the Lingfield Trial, he pushed Maltese Cross to perform at his best, demonstrating resilience as he quickened to the front two furlongs from home. Although he was narrowly beaten by a neck after being overtaken, this performance is commendable given it was his seasonal debut against a more seasoned rival. While the time was average, the impression left was of two highly talented colts competing fiercely, and they may be closely matched again as the race unfolds this weekend.

Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore, stall 12

Timeform: 130p. Odds: 9-4

Pedigree: Frankel/Newspaperofrecord (Lope De Vega)

This horse comes from an outstanding lineage and won one of the most prestigious trials in recent years. He will be ridden by Ryan Moore, who has enjoyed significant success with O’Brien, who has already secured 11 Derby victories. As a classic favorite, there are concerns regarding the recent heavy rain at Epsom, as he finished third out of five when favored in the Futurity under similar conditions. His ratings suggest he may not be as far ahead of his competitors as his odds imply, having also had more starts than many of his leading rivals, yet he is likely to attract considerable support from bettors.

Aidan O’Brien/Ronan Whelan, stall 5

Timeform: 125p. Odds: 25-1

Pedigree: Camelot/Beauly (Sea The Stars)

He was the favorite for the Dante at York last month following a victory in the Ballysax Stakes in April, where he outperformed competitors like Pierre Bonnard and James J Braddock. However, he struggled to keep pace with Item and the front-running Action during the race, ultimately finishing four-and-a-half lengths behind in third place. With more rain anticipated at Epsom, supporters may highlight his stamina-rich pedigree and previous strong performances on soft ground as reasons for optimism, although his recent form from York suggests he has significant ground to make up compared to the lightly raced Item.

Andrew Balding/Colin Keane, stall 3

Timeform: 129. Odds: 4-1

Pedigree: Frankel/Capla Temptress (Lope De Vega)

The only horse in the field yet to be beaten, he secured a dominant victory in the Dante Stakes at York, where he showcased signs of his potential. As the race unfolds, he will be a key contender to watch closely given his impressive track record.