With twenty hopefuls, one historic hill, and a course that never forgives hesitation, the 2025 Epsom Derby promises drama, glory, and a finish that could crown a star—or confound the lot
Epsom Derby 2025 Preview: Runner-by-Runner Guide with Tips and Trends
Saturday, 8 June 2025 | 3:30pm | Epsom Downs Racecourse
The 246th running of the Epsom Derby is nearly upon us, and this year’s edition looks as open as a bookie’s wallet on free bet weekend. With twenty colts declared and a field brimming with promise, hype, and question marks, racing fans can expect a proper dust-up down the Epsom hill. In true British fashion, we’ve even seen the return of FA Cup-style stall draw balls, adding a splash of novelty to proceedings.
From proven Group 1 winners to bold longshots, every colt comes with a story—and possibly a plot twist. And for those considering a flutter, the newly-launched UK bookmaker BetTom is now offering new customers up to £25 in free bets, perfect for spreading across a couple of Derby hopefuls and one wild outsider, just in case the unexpected happens (as it often does).
So, put the kettle on, brace yourself for a long one, and dive into our horse-by-horse breakdown of the Classic contenders…
Al Wasl Storm – Owen Burrows – ⭐⭐Odds: 100/1
Owned by the ever-game Green Team Racing, this colt showed real grit when scoring at Chester, and the form has had a decent boost since. He’ll stay, no doubt about that, but this is a steep step up in class. Would need a career best of seismic proportions just to threaten the places.
Damysus – John & Thady Gosden – ⭐⭐⭐⭐Odds: 10/1
Progressive type, placed well in the Dante with a storming finish. Bred to stay, though his action and stride suggest he might be more comfortable over ten furlongs. Still, he’s improving at the right time, and in a year lacking a standout, that’s worth something.
Delacroix – Aidan O’Brien – ⭐⭐⭐Odds: 9/4 (favourite)
Two wins at Leopardstown have propelled him to favouritism, but this is no sure thing. His latest win came in a dawdle of a race, and the Derby’s true test may expose his staying ability. Aidan’s past Leopardstown stars haven’t always delivered at Epsom, so punters beware.
Green Storm – Charlie Johnston – ⭐Odds: 200/1
Has stamina from both sides of the pedigree but was a long way back in the Feilden Stakes. Plenty to find, and even a personal best would likely fall short against this lot.
Lambourn – Aidan O’Brien – ⭐⭐⭐⭐Odds: 12/1
Not the flashiest of Ballydoyle’s lot, but tough, game and made of Derby-winning stuff. He stays all day and his Chester Vase time was faster than it had any right to be. Might not be the sexy pick, but definitely one for the each-way shortlist.
Lazy Griff – Charlie Johnston – ⭐⭐⭐Odds: 66/1
Ran a blinder at Chester behind Lambourn. Sire’s resume includes a German Derby and a Melbourne Cup, so stamina’s not in doubt. Will likely still be running when others aren’t, but whether he’s close enough to matter remains the question.
Midak – Francis Graffard – ⭐⭐Odds: 14/1
Three-from-three and improving fast. Supplemented for a reason, clearly. Whether that reason is genuine Derby hopes or a hunch remains to be seen, but he’ll be staying on when others tire. May find a few too sharp, though.
New Ground – Henri Devin – ⭐Odds: 33/1
A likeable French raider who’s danced the Group dance without quite hitting the right notes. Likely to be outclassed here unless he’s been hiding his best work at home.
Nightime Dancer – Richard Hannon – ⭐Odds: 100/1
Southwell form doesn’t usually translate to Classic success. Found wanting at Lingfield and needs to find a truckload of improvement to be in the shake-up.
Nightwalker – John & Thady Gosden – ⭐⭐⭐Odds: 20/1
Interesting one, this. Finished strongly in the Dante and looks like Epsom’s extra distance could be right up his alley. Stride cadence points to untapped stamina reserves. A serious each-way player.
Pride Of Arras – Ralph Beckett – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Odds: 4/1
Won the Dante with a bit in hand and is fancied by many to double up. Beckett thinks he’s quicker than Westover—which is saying something. If he handles the roar and rollercoaster that is Epsom, he might just be too good for the rest.
Puppet Master – Aidan O’Brien – ⭐⭐Odds: 66/1
Scraped home in the Lingfield Trial but lacks the class of O’Brien’s leading players. Honest and game, but probably running for a supporting role.
Rogue Impact – James Owen – ⭐Odds: 200/1
Not impossible, just highly improbable. Blew out completely at Lingfield and will need divine intervention to play a part here.
Ruling Court – Charlie Appleby – ⭐⭐⭐Odds: 7/2
Top class over a mile, and his 2000 Guineas form has worked out beautifully. Still, questions over stamina remain. Could cruise into contention and find nothing—or find plenty. Flip a coin.
Sea Scout – Simon & Ed Crisford – ⭐Odds: 100/1
Epsom winner this spring, but outgunned in the Dante. Will need to settle better and pull out something special to make a dent in this field.
Stanhope Gardens – Ralph Beckett – ⭐⭐⭐Odds: 16/1
Has flown under the radar but form stacks up well. Lightly raced and open to improvement. Don’t dismiss him too readily.
Tennessee Stud – Joseph O’Brien – ⭐⭐Odds: 50/1
Group 1 winner as a juvenile and shaped well enough on return. Could outrun his odds, particularly if the race turns into a slog.
The Lion In Winter – Aidan O’Brien – ⭐⭐Odds: 5/1
Used to be the golden boy, then sulked in the Dante. Still, if anyone can turn him around it’s O’Brien. Could win. Could boil over. No one really knows.
Tornado Alert – Saeed bin Suroor – ⭐Odds: 33/1
Travelled too keenly in the 2000 Guineas but wasn’t disgraced. Probably a 10-furlong type and might not last home. Closely related to hurdlers, which is never the strongest vote of confidence.
Tuscan Hills – Raphael Freire – ⭐⭐Odds: 66/1
Improved late in the Dante when on an unfavoured part of the track. These owners have a habit of hitting the frame at monster prices, and he’s not the worst outsider.
Final Verdict
Plenty will go in on Delacroix or Ruling Court, but there are enough stamina doubts to tread cautiously. For value and balance, Pride Of Arras looks the one to beat. Lambourn and Nightwalker both look primed to run huge races at each-way prices, while Damysus won’t be far away either.
And remember, if you’re planning to get involved, BetTom is offering up to £25 in free bets for new customers – a lovely way to back a few of these hopefuls without breaking the bank.
Epsom awaits. Let the madness begin.
