The Derby (Saturday 1 June) is England’s most important classic of the season. It is run over a distance of 1 mile 4 furlongs and 6 yards and notable winners this century include Golden Horn, Camelot, Sea The Stars, and Galileo.
Derby 2019 Trends
- The last 10 winners had all run between 14 and 55 days earlier
- Winners have been drawn as low as stall-three and as high as stall-14
- Only five of the last 10 winners had won their previous race
- Aidan O’Brien has trained four of the last seven winners
- Eight of the last 10 winners were returned at no bigger than 7/1
Derby Main Contenders 2019
Sir Dragonet
It’s hard to believe that an Aidan O’Brien horse that was sent off at 14/1 and 13/2 on his first two starts is now the 3/1 favourite for The Derby, especially as he had to be supplemented into the field. However, he looked like a superstar when winning the Chester Vase and could have any amount of improvement to come after just two runs.
Broome
Solid two-year-old for Aidan O’Brien and has improved for stepping up to 10-furlongs this season, winning the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial in workmanlike fashion last time. He was pulling away from his rivals at the end of that race and he should relish stepping up in trip again here.
Anthony Van Dyke
Group 2 winning two-year-old who also placed in two Group 1’s, which was great form considering he was always likely to make up into a decent middle-distance performer as a three-year-old. Lived up to those expectations when winning the Lingfield Derby Trial, but one of many darts that Aidan O’Brien is throwing at the 2019 Derby.
Telecaster
Another horse that needed to be supplemented for The Derby having not raced as a two-year-old, but he has already proven himself a worthy entry by winning the Dante Stakes at York. He beat Too Darn Hot that day and, though that horse was beaten into second again in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the form still looks strong. There’s no reason why he won’t stay 12-furlongs and he could be the best of the English challengers.
Bangkok
Beat Telecaster when that horse made his racecourse debut and has won again since. However, the form of his last win at Sandown suggests he has loads to find with Sir Dragonet on a line through a horse called Technician, and Telecaster may have improved past him.
Madhmoon
Beat Broome as a two-year-old and ran creditably when fourth in the 2,000 Guineas. The horse that finished just in front of him that day Skardu finished behind Too Darn Hot in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, which suggests he may have a bit to find with Telecaster. However, he could improve for the step up in trip and horses like Australia and last year’s winner Masar placed in the Guineas before winning The Derby.
Derby 2019 Horse Racing Summary & Betting Tip
The English challenge is headed by Telecaster who is likely to go close after being supplemented for the race. However, it’s impossible to ignore the Irish challenge. Madhmoon could go well at a decent price, but Aidan O’Brien won a variety of trials and appears to hold a strong hand. Broome and Sir Anthony Van Dyke shouldn’t be far away at the finish but the horse with the dazzling turn of foot looks to be Sir Dragonet. If his inexperience doesn’t catch him out in the early stages, he’s expected to be produced fast and late with a winning run.
Derby 2019 Tip: Sir Dragonet