Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy is bidding to bounce back from a disappointing comeback run in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and the star juvenile is one of 16 horses declared for Saturday’s Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs. We take a look at the horses that are bidding for Classic glory in the Epsom Derby on Saturday.
A stunning winner of both the Superlative Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes last season, City Of Troy was sent off a red-hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas, but he whimpered into a disappointing ninth place and he’s now on the comeback trail for what is a wide open Derby in 2024.
With nine wins in the iconic race, O’Brien is by far the most successful trainer in the history of the race and while City Of Troy is the likely flagbearer for the yard he will also unleash Los Angeles, who remains unbeaten after three starts and was last seen landing the Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown, which has often thrown up vital clues for Epsom.
Fourth in the Feilden Stakes on his first run of the season, James Fanshawe’s Ambiente Friendly propelled into the Derby picture when storming to victory in the Lingfield Derby Trial a few weeks ago. Scooting four-and-a-half lengths clear that day, the Gleneagles colt will be looking to continue on a rapid incline and is another well fancied runner in the Epsom Derby Odds.
Runner-up to Economics in the Dante Stakes at York, Ancient Wisdom will be happy that his conqueror that day on the Knavesmire won’t be lining up here and last season’s Futurity Trophy winner will be looking to hand the Godolphin team and Charlie Appleby another win in the Derby.
Second in the French 2000 Guineas, Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini is a fascinating runner and is hoping a step up in trip can see him land a significant blow, while Ralph Beckett’s Macduff ran well when second in the Classic Trial at Sandown Park earlier this year and he’s another prominent figure for what should be an enthralling renewal.
2024 Betfred Derby Runners
Betfred Derby (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (No Geldings)
- Result2nd6/1
- Result8th13/2
- Result7th20/1
- Result1st3/1
- Result14th33/1
- Result6th10/1
- Result4th18/1
- Result9th20/1
- Result12th50/1
- Result11th50/1
- Result3rd9/2
- Result13th12/1
- Result15th150/1
- Result5th50/1
TabletalkJ: James DoyleT: Tom CloverResult10th100/1
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