Form, flair or a flash of the unexpected – who will write their name into Derby folklore this weekend?
Delacroix Heads a 2025 Epsom Derby Field Full of Questions, Quirks and Quiet Confidence
Saturday 7 June, 3:30pm – Epsom Downs
The 2025 Epsom Derby is nearly upon us, and once again, Britain’s most iconic Flat race is shaping up to be a head-scratcher. Taking centre stage on Saturday 7 June at the famed Epsom Downs, the race forms the glittering highlight of the two-day Derby Festival – and this year’s edition is anything but clear-cut.
The fourth of the five Classic races in the British Flat season, the Derby isn’t just about prestige. It’s a proving ground for stallion credentials, a race where potential is realised – or ruthlessly exposed – over the unique, undulating 1m4f trip that has tripped up many a star-in-the-making.
Unlike last year’s renewal, where City Of Troy towered over his rivals with a sense of inevitability, the 2025 contest presents punters with a right royal puzzle. There’s no dominant force, no overwhelming favourite. Just a handful of classy colts, each with a case to make – and a few doubts to dispel.
If you fancy throwing your hat into the ring (or your betting slip into the breeze), there’s no better time to get involved than now, especially with Parimatch, who are offering new customers a cracking Bet £5 Get £30 in free bets. Not a bad incentive for picking a Derby winner – or having a go at finding one.
The Market Leader: Delacroix
Topping the market – just about – is Aidan O’Brien’s Delacroix, the quietly progressive type who has taken a textbook route to Epsom, reminiscent of several past Ballydoyle champions. He’s been installed as the 5/2 favourite with several major firms and arrives at the Downs with all the hallmarks of an O’Brien colt who means business.
His path through the Ballysax and Leopardstown Derby Trial has been anything but dramatic – which is exactly what makes him dangerous. There’s no fanfare, no theatrical turns of foot, just consistent, classy performances that tick the right boxes.
As a two-year-old, he showed more than enough to suggest a Classic campaign beckoned. This season, he’s gone about his business with quiet authority. If racing is about doing what’s asked with minimal fuss, Delacroix is a model professional. And with Ryan Moore expected to take the ride, stable confidence seems firmly on his side.
He might not scream “superstar,” but in a Derby with no standout, his no-nonsense profile and proven stamina make him the one they all have to beat.
The Enigma: The Lion In Winter
There was a time, not long ago, when The Lion In Winter was Ballydoyle’s presumed number one for Epsom. After a taking success in the Acomb Stakes, his name was whispered in many a betting ante-post conversation. But, as often happens in racing, things took a turn.
The Dante at York was supposed to be his springboard to Derby favouritism. Instead, it turned into a stutter. Keenness early doors cost him late, and he finished tamely – a performance that cast doubts over both his temperament and his stamina.
Now out to 6/1 in places, The Lion In Winter remains in the picture, but no longer as the lead actor. There’s still hope – and Group-level ability – but it feels like the Ballydoyle machine has quietly pivoted towards Delacroix as the main threat.
Still, redemption isn’t out of the question. If he settles better and reverts to his two-year-old form, he could yet roar at Epsom. And for punters hunting for value with their free bets, he’s certainly not without intrigue.
Guineas Hero: Ruling Court
Enter Ruling Court, who changed everything with a gutsy win in the 2,000 Guineas. In a season lacking a standout colt, that performance over the Rowley Mile has propelled him into Derby contention – and possibly even towards Triple Crown territory.
Now around 4/1 in most lists, he’s not just a fashionable pick. He’s also a proper contender. As a juvenile, he was beaten by The Lion In Winter, but he’s come on leaps and bounds since then. The Guineas win was no fluke – it was the effort of a colt who relishes a battle and knows how to dig deep.
The extra distance at Epsom is the next big test. There’s plenty of hope it will suit – his sire, Justify, won over further – and the way he stayed on at Newmarket suggests he’ll see out the 1m4f.
If it turns into a slog, don’t be surprised to see Ruling Court still fighting when others have had enough. And if you believe in fairytales – or just like the sound of a Triple Crown whisper – he could be your horse.
Dark Horse: Pride Of Arras
Every Derby needs its bolter – a previously overlooked contender who emerges late to stir up the market. In 2025, that honour goes to Pride Of Arras, who turned the Dante into a personal showcase on seasonal reappearance after nearly ten months off the track.
From 50/1 rank outsider to 9/2 third favourite, the rise of Pride Of Arras has been both dramatic and deserved. His Dante win wasn’t a case of things falling his way – he travelled with style, quickened smartly and won with authority.
What makes him so fascinating is the unknown. One run in almost a year doesn’t give us much to go on, but what we’ve seen suggests there’s serious talent waiting to explode.
For punters drawn to the romance of the unexpected, this is your play. The mystery, the momentum, and the sheer gall of it all – he could be the one who catches everyone off guard. And let’s face it, cashing in a Parimatch free bet on a 9/2 Dante winner turned Derby star has a certain ring to it.
No Obvious Superstar, But Plenty of Stories
Unlike recent years, where a horse like City Of Troy dominated the headlines, 2025’s Derby is a different beast altogether. There’s no unbeatable force, just a collection of highly capable colts each with their quirks and credentials.
Delacroix brings the quiet confidence of a proven trial winner. The Lion In Winter arrives with baggage but also raw ability. Ruling Court has momentum and Group 1 metal already in the bag. And Pride Of Arras is the wildcard – the kind of horse that turns Derby Day on its head.
With stamina questions looming large, market moves changing daily, and opinions split even among the experts, it’s the sort of race punters live for. A perfect blend of possibility and chaos – with a chance to bag some free bets along the way.
Final Word: Pick Your Poison
So, who’s your Derby pick?
Will you side with the efficient charm of Delacroix? Take a second chance on The Lion In Winter? Trust the proven class of Ruling Court? Or back the unknown package in Pride Of Arras?
Whoever you fancy, it’s the kind of renewal where bold opinions are rewarded and the betting ring comes alive with speculation, theory and blind faith.
And if you’re looking to get involved, Parimatch are offering Bet £5 Get £30 in free bets – which is just the ticket for those ready to roll the dice on the Flat season’s biggest stage.
Because this year, the Derby isn’t about finding the obvious winner. It’s about finding the one that proves everyone else wrong.
