Auguste Rodin is the 3.50 favourite with William Hill for the 2023 edition of the Epsom Derby on Saturday, the most prestigious flat race of the British racing calendar.
If he triumphs, it will extend Aidan O’Brien’s record as the most successful trainer in the race’s history to nine wins, winning for the first time with the legendary Galileo in 2001.
Only 12th of 14 in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket a few weeks ago, O’Brien remains confident Auguste Rodin will return to the form that saw him win the Group 1 Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster in October.
None of O’Brien’s four entries have a confirmed jockey as of yet, though Ryan Moore has ridden him in his last three rides.
Auguste Rodin’s 15 opponents for the 1 ½ mile race, first run in 1780 on Epsom’s horseshoe-shaped course, will be hoping he has not recovered from Newmarket.
Military Order is the nearest challenger in the betting at 5.50. Under William Buick, he has won his last three outings, including over this distance at Lingfield a few weeks ago. Trainer Charlie Appleby and owners Godolphin formed a successful partnership two years ago with Adayar.
Passenger had a win on debut in April before finishing third in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York last month. He is at 6.00 for last year’s winning trainer/jockey combination, Sir Michael Stoute and Richard Kingscote.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: June 1st, 11:00 A.M. (BST)
There would be a deafening roar from the stands if Frankie Dettori were to win his last ever Derby. He is attempting a third victory, this time on 7.00 chance Arrest for John & Thady Gosden, who warmed up for this perfectly by winning the Group 3 Chester Vase in May.
Jessie Harrington trains Sprewell (12.00) who has won twice this season over at least a mile in Ireland, but on heavy ground, he is yet to be tested on good ground which is expected on Saturday. At 13.00 is The Foxes for Andrew Balding, who won the Dante Stakes ahead of Passenger.
Between The Foxes and Passenger in the Dante was White Birch (15.00), who had earlier been victorious over 1 mile 2 furlongs in a Group 3 at Leopardstown. Also 15.00 is Dubai Mile, who finished fifth in the 2000 Guineas after going off at 34.00.
Waipiro (21.00) was narrowly beaten by Military Order in the Derby trial at Lingfield. Tom Marquand takes the ride from Rob Hornby this time. Hornby, meanwhile, will be on board Artistic Star, one of three 34.00 shots – along with Alder and San Antonio, to have picked up wins this season.
The remaining four are priced between 67.00 and 101.00.
