Horse Racing Tips
Ballydoyle Battalion Backed For More Classic Success At Epsom This Weekend
Fresh from recording a 1-2-3 in the Prix Du Jockey Club at Chantilly last weekend, Aidan O’Brien will be looking to add more Classic glory to his CV at Epsom Downs in the coming days.
With ground conditions changing on Tuesday afternoon after over 20mm of rain fell at the track, punters have latched onto Pierre Bonnard who is now as short as 6/1 to win The Derby on Saturday.
One of the most prestigious races on the UK calendar, the Derby is a unique test but O’Brien has a fantastic record in the race and you’d be a brave man to bet against the Ballydoyle maestro adding to his tally.
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Following the Prix Du Jockey Club, which saw Aidan O’Brien train the first three home, William Hill make it just 14/1 that he repeats the feat in Saturday’s Derby.
“With seven possible runners in the race, including two of the top three in the betting, you could argue he’s got a stronger hand at Epsom than he did in France. Nobody has ever saddled a 1-2-3 in the Derby, but if anyone can it’s O’Brien.
“His leading hope looks to be Benvenuto Cellini, who heads the market for the race at 7/4 whilst also odds-on at 8/15 to lead home the Ballydoyle contingent.
“However, of the four Classic races in Ireland and the UK this season, Wayne Lordan has ridden two of O’Brien’s winners, so it might be worth having a look down the pecking order. Pierre Bonnard is 7/2 to be the top Ballydoyle runner, with Action third in at 12/1.”
Benvenuto Cellini may feature on NAPs table selections for the race but is he likely to finish as the best Aidan O’Brien-trained runner in Saturday’s feature? Only time will tell.
Who Will Be The Top Ballydoyle Runner In The Derby?
- Benvenuto Cellini – 8/15
- Pierre Bonnard – 7/2
- Action – 12/1
- Christmas Day – 14/1
- Causeway – 16/1
- Endorsement – 20/1
- Proposition – 50/1
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “After May’s heatwave, we were hardly expecting a soft ground Derby and Oaks.
“However, with the heavens having opened on Epsom and rain forecast throughout the week, we’re seeing money for some proven slow ground performers. Pierre Bonnard is the most notable, backed into 6/1 from 7/1. He was a bad result in the race as it was, and the expected rain will surely only aid his chances.
“In the Oaks, the support has been for Thundering On. She’s now 11/2 from 7s and is one we’re keeping a close eye on. A La Prochaine has also been backed into 12s from 14/1, but all eyes will be on Amelia Earhart between now and Friday.
“She was super impressive at Chester, so it’ll be fascinating to see how she handles the expected heavier ground, which at Epsom, can be one for the specialists when the mud’s flying.”
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
