Richard Hoiles: My runner-by-runner guide to the 2026 Epsom Derby

The horse racing broadcaster gives his thoughts on every runner in the feature race at Epsom on Saturday and provides his 1-2-3-4.

Following yesterday’s guide to the Oaks, here is my runner-by-runner look at this year’s Derby field.

1. ACTION 16/1

Half-brother to last year’s winner Lambourn. Finished second in the Dante behind Item, where he once again displayed an awkward carriage but may also have raced, along with the winner, on the better part of the track. It is no surprise to see the cheekpieces reached for, but they would need to have a revolutionary effect on his suspect attitude. **

2. ALDERMAN 80/1

Owner Julie Wood’s only previous Derby runner passed the post in front, but unfortunately Voyage was minus the rider, having unseated Pat Dobbs coming out of the stalls. Alderman will hopefully give her more to cheer, but only until the straight, as he is outclassed here. *

3. ANCIENT EGYPT 14/1

Cost over £1 million as a yearling and is a fine, big horse who looked well balanced when winning at Newmarket. He set a good, solid pace that day, and his uncomplicated run style from a helpful draw in stall 10 makes him worthy of respect. He had an overnight stay to get used to the surroundings at the recent gallops morning and can run well. *****

4. A TASTE OF GLORY 125/1

The owner has had some success in the past with big-priced outsiders, but he is impossible to make a case for on any known form. *

5. BALZAC 80/1

Did not handle the track particularly well in the Blue Riband here and was well held at Lingfield. Another to attend the gallops morning, but he is unlikely to be involved at the business end. *

6. BAY OF BRILLIANCE 12/1

Displayed a good attitude when only narrowly going down to Maltese Cross in the Lingfield Derby Trial. The winner that day had the benefit of the run, and Bay of Brilliance is the better drawn of the pair here. Handles cut in the ground, has improved with every run, and it would be no surprise if he made the frame. ****

7. BENVENUTO CELLINI 2/1

A fine, imposing horse who deserves his place towards the top of the market. Strong at the finish at Chester, and stamina looks to be his strong suit. His ability to descend the hill, given his size, could be the main issue, but he looks the best of the O’Brien contingent, and Ryan Moore chooses to ride. A lot to like. *****

8. CHRISTMAS DAY 14/1

Finished ahead of James J Braddock and Pierre Bonard in the Ballysax and may have been on the wrong part of the track in the Dante. While the yard has won this with outsiders in the past for less well-known riders, the jockey bookings suggest he was only fourth choice. **

9. ITEM 4/1

Winner of the Dante and arrives here unbeaten in three starts. He looks certain to stay, but there is the suspicion that he was on the best part of the track that day, and it may not have been the strongest renewal. He does, however, have the physique to suggest he is still improving, and over half a century on from Kingsclere winning the race with Mill Reef, he is entitled to respect. ****

10. JAMES J BRADDOCK 10/1

A fantastic story for ITV colleague Kevin Blake to have a runner in the Derby, and he comes here having run down Pierre Bonard in the Leopardstown trial. He was behind Christmas Day in the Ballysax but does look likely to stay, with connections hoping for more rain to expose any weaknesses in less certain stayers. ***

11. MALTESE CROSS 17/2

Narrow winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial from Bay of Brilliance, and he has improved steadily during his four-race career. Not the easiest draw, however, and he may struggle to confirm form with his old adversary here, along with a couple of others. Expect him to finish around fourth to sixth. ***

12. PIERRE BONARD 6/1

Aidan O’Brien, with the likes of Auguste Rodin and City of Troy, has made a habit of winning the Derby with horses who have not shone in their previous race, and it is likely Pierre Bonard will split opinions here. Personally, I am against him, with his Group 1 Saint-Cloud victory not working out well, and having been beaten twice this campaign behind Christmas Day and James J Braddock. Hanging left last time raises questions about whether he will handle the camber. His trainer is a master at getting horses to peak on the day, but that is what supporters must rely on, as his season so far has been underwhelming. **

13. POKER 150/1

Pot-committed after fetching a colossal £4.3 million at the sales as a yearling, but looks more 2-7 offsuit than a full house. *

14. REBEL ROCKER 100/1

A dream runner for the owner-breeder, but he was only just in front of Balzac when finishing second in the Blue Riband here in April, and that race has not proved strong form. *

Verdict

Having put up Ancient Egypt a couple of weeks ago, I am not going to desert him now, though the favourite Benvenuto Cellini is a big danger. Bay of Brilliance has the potential to outrun his price.

1. Ancient Egypt
2. Benvenuto Cellini
3. Bay of Brilliance
4. Item

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