Epsom Showdown Set in Stone: Final Betfred Derby 2025 Field Locked and Loaded

Epsom Showdown Set in Stone: Final Betfred Derby 2025 Field Locked and Loaded

Race Time: 3:30pm, Saturday 7th June 2025 | Venue: Epsom Downs

Hold on to your betting slips, because the stage is officially set for the 2025 Betfred Derby. The declarations are in, the draw is done, and we’re now barrelling headlong towards another classic clash at Epsom Downs. And yes, the magician known as Puppet Master has pulled off one last disappearing act – ducking out at the eleventh hour – but that’s done little to dampen the excitement.

For punters, this is the sweet spot – all the speculation, none of the disappointment (yet). And with William Hill’s cracking Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets welcome offer doing the rounds, there’s really no excuse not to have a cheeky dabble on a favourite, a flyer, and something daft that’s never even seen a hill, let alone raced down Epsom’s.

Ruling Court Returns – Can the Guineas Hero Go One Better?

Leading the charge is the mighty Ruling Court, winner of the 2000 Guineas and now eyeing the sort of double that made legends of Sea The Stars and Camelot. Trained by Charlie Appleby and steered once again by William Buick, the Godolphin colt arrives with a regal air and plenty of expectations. But let’s not forget, Epsom can be a cruel mistress – and top billing often means toppling.

Joining the royal blue ranks is Tornado Alert, saddled by Saeed bin Suroor. Slightly more under the radar, yes – but not without merit. Stranger things have happened than a second-string Godolphin springing a surprise.

O’Brien Reloads with a Trio of Irish Intrigue

No Puppet Master? No problem. Aidan O’Brien still comes armed to the teeth, fielding Delacroix, The Lion In Winter, and Lambourn in his pursuit of yet another Derby crown.

Delacroix has been lurking near the top of the ante-post markets for weeks, although a few whispers persist about whether he truly fancies a mile and a half. The Lion In Winter returns after going a bit stage-shy in the Dante – whether he’ll roar or whimper this time remains to be seen. And then there’s Lambourn, a more workmanlike sort who might not dazzle but could well out-stay and out-battle his more fashionable peers.

Beckett’s Brave Pair Bring Depth and Form

Ralph Beckett isn’t in this for the scenery. He’s come armed with two genuine livewires in Pride Of Arras – the stylish Dante winner and one of the most talked-about types this side of Newmarket – and Stanhope Gardens, who’s been putting in some hard graft in behind both Ruling Court and Delacroix during his earlier days. If you like horses with a backstory, this is your boy.

Gosden’s Duo Could Yet Spring a Surprise

John and Thady Gosden aren’t showing up to admire the view either. Damysus, second in the Dante, looks like he’s peaking at the right time, and his upward curve is worth watching. But don’t write off Nightwalker just yet – fifth in the same race, he could be the sort to sneak through late if the others go too hard, too soon.

French Resistance: Midak and New Ground Join the Fray

For the first time in over a decade, we’ve got proper French involvement. Midak and New Ground were supplemented earlier this week – at no small cost – which suggests their connections fancy more than just the champagne. It’s been a long wait since Pour Moi in 2011 – could this be the year the tricolour flies once again over Epsom?

Wildcards and Outsiders: The Plot Thickens

Ah yes, the glorious outsiders – where dreams are made and bets go to die. Tennessee Stud, Tuscan Hills, and Lazy Griff may not have lit up the ante-post markets, but there’s a glint of potential in each of them.

Then we’ve got the support cast: Al Wasl Storm, Sea Scout, Nightime Dancer, Rogue Impact, and Green Storm. Unlikely winners, perhaps. But then again, this is the Derby – and it wouldn’t be the first time a 100/1 shot turned the form book inside out. That’s why William Hill’s Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets offer is the perfect excuse to back your favourite no-hoper alongside something vaguely sensible.

The Final Line-Up: Who Will Conquer Epsom Downs?

Here’s your full roll call for the 2025 Betfred Derby:

• Al Wasl Storm (David Probert)
• Damysus (James Doyle)
• Delacroix (TBC)
• Green Storm (Billy Loughnane)
• Lambourn (TBC)
• Lazy Griff (Christophe Soumillon)
• Midak (Mickael Barzalona)
• New Ground (Alexis Pouchin)
• Nightime Dancer (Jamie Spencer)
• Nightwalker (Tom Marquand)
• Pride Of Arras (Rossa Ryan)
• Rogue Impact (Luke Morris)
• Ruling Court (William Buick)
• Sea Scout (Harry Davies)
• Stanhope Gardens (Hector Crouch)
• Tennessee Stud (TBC)
• The Lion In Winter (TBC)
• Tornado Alert (Oisin Murphy)
• Tuscan Hills (David Egan)

Let the Countdown Begin

With just days to go until the big off, the excitement is building faster than a queue at the Guinness bar. The Jockey Club’s decision to bring forward declarations to the 72-hour mark has certainly cranked up the anticipation, and there’s no shortage of talking points.

Whether you’re backing the favourite, taking a punt on the French, or flinging a free bet at a longshot just because you like the name, this year’s Betfred Derby promises to deliver the thrills and spills we’ve come to expect.

So, buckle up. The 2025 Derby is almost here. The hill awaits, the stalls will fly open, and someone – perhaps unexpectedly – will etch their name into Epsom folklore.

And if it all goes pear-shaped? Well, at least you used free bets.