2025 Epsom Derby: A Comprehensive Guide to the Runners
The 2025 Epsom Derby is set to take place on June 5, and according to The Guardian, the highly anticipated event has attracted a talented field of horses. As reported by The Guardian, we take a closer look at each of the contenders.
Al Wasl Storm
Al Wasl Storm, trained by Owen Burrows and ridden by David Probert, is one of the lesser-fancied runners in the field. The Guardian reports that the horse has had a relatively modest career so far, with only three runs since April and one minor win. The publication notes that Al Wasl Storm’s owner, Ahmad al Shaikh, has a reputation for buying horses at a low cost and achieving success with them.
Damysus
Damysus, trained by John & Thady Gosden and ridden by James Doyle, is one of the least experienced runners in the field. According to The Guardian, the horse has only had three outings, and his performance in the Dante Stakes at York last time out was encouraging, despite finishing behind Pride Of Arras.
Delacroix
Delacroix, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, was effectively confirmed as the favourite for the Derby when Ryan Moore chose to ride him over other O’Brien-trained horses. The Guardian reports that Delacroix has solid, progressive form from his juvenile season, and the 12-furlong trip should suit him.
Green Storm
Green Storm, trained by Charlie Johnston and ridden by Billy Loughnane, is the second string of Ahmad al Shaikh’s two runners in the Derby. According to The Guardian, the horse cost €12,000 as a yearling and has already repaid that several times over with a notable performance in a French Group One event last October.
Lambourn
Lambourn, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, is the third string in his trainer’s challenge for a record-extending 11th Derby. The Guardian notes that Lambourn has winning form on soft ground and stayed on strongly to win the Chester Vase over an extended 12 furlongs last time out.
Lazy Griff
Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, finished second in the Chester Vase last month. According to The Guardian, the horse’s profile is similar to that of Wings Of Eagles, who won the Derby at 40-1 in 2017.
Midak
Midak, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, is an unbeaten horse who has shown a fine turn of foot to quicken clear in the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud in May. The Guardian reports that Midak will carry the green and red colours of the Aga Khan IV, who died in February.
New Ground
New Ground, trained by Henri Devin and ridden by Alexis Pouchin, has finished close third on his two outings this year. According to The Guardian, the 12-furlong trip is likely to see further improvement.
Nightime Dancer
Nightime Dancer, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Jamie Spencer, set off as an unfancied 9-1 shot for the Lingfield Derby Trial. The Guardian notes that the horse has masses of stamina in his pedigree but rather less of the speed a Derby winner needs.
Nightwalker
Nightwalker, trained by John & Thady Gosden and ridden by Tom Marquand, finished fifth of 11 in the Dante Stakes at York last month. According to The Guardian, the horse seems sure to improve for the mile-and-a-half trip and a top-four finish may not be beyond him.
Pride Of Arras
Pride Of Arras, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Rossa Ryan, won the Dante Stakes recently. The Guardian reports that the horse showed all the attributes you would look for in a Derby winner, including tactical speed, balance, a turn of foot, and a willingness to quicken between horses.
Ruling Court
Ruling Court, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, is a Classic winner already, having won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month. According to The Guardian, the form of that race received a significant boost when City Of Gold, the runner-up, ran away with the Irish equivalent.
Sea Scout
Sea Scout, trained by Simon & Ed Crisford and ridden by Harry Davies, has a narrow success in the Blue Riband Trial over 10 furlongs in April. The Guardian notes that this is a track that can take some getting used to, running downhill at speed.
Stanhope Gardens
Stanhope Gardens, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Hector Crouch, has some interesting form, including a close second behind Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket last October. According to The Guardian, Beckett has made every effort to get him to the post, even persuading Salisbury to stage a race at an evening meeting.
Tennessee Stud
Tennessee Stud, trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, is a Group One winner as a two-year-old in the Critérium de Saint-Cloud. The Guardian reports that the horse was noticeably weak in the market beforehand but finished around six-and-a-half lengths behind Delacroix in the Derby trial.
The Lion In Winter
The Lion In Winter, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Colin Keane, is an enigma, having been passed over by Ryan Moore after surrendering his unbeaten record. According to The Guardian, the horse is bred to appreciate the step up in trip but will struggle to get home if he again fails to settle.
Tornado Alert
Tornado Alert, trained by Saeed bin Suroor and ridden by Oisin Murphy, ran a fine race to finish fourth in the 2,000 Guineas. The Guardian notes that the horse looks more likely to appreciate a drop in trip than a step up to a mile-and-a-half.
Tuscan Hills
Tuscan Hills, trained by Raphael Freire and ridden by David Egan, may struggle according to The Guardian, as his form is well short of what is likely to be required.
