The 2026 Epsom Derby festival produced some fascinating performances causing waves in many of the markets for the upcoming big contests in the sport. The deteriorating going caused many a shock result, with big stars taking a huge knock on their respective form books. The Derby and the Oaks often throw up clues for the remainder of the season, and several connections have given us food for thought regarding their horses’ next steps.
The Derby and Oaks winners both earned the same RPR (121) for their respective victories. Christmas Day holds entries in the Irish Derby and the Coral-Eclipse. A drop back in trip to the latter would not obviously appear suitable. A 20 day turnaround to the Curragh could appear soon enough given the tough race he’d likely have had. As he enjoyed the stamina-sapping contest, the St Leger appears an obvious target too.
On the Oaks winner, Joseph O’Brien told the Press Association after the race, via the Racing Post: “Her dam won the Pretty Polly, so she can go back to that or the Irish Oaks. The world is our oyster, but we’ll enjoy today and then we can make a plan for the season.”
Ground lessons learnt with Calandagan
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe could also be on the agenda for Thundering On. That race historically suits a classy three-year-old filly. The Arc has also been pinpointed by George Scott for his Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller.
The Group 1 was built up as a grand spectacle between Coolmore’s three and Calandagan, the world’s best racehorse. However, Bay City Roller spoiled the party as he glided through the worsening conditions. He beat last year’s winner Jan Brueghel 10 lengths to give George Scott his first Group 1 on British soil. “The Arc is his race” said the trainer, immediately after.
Calandagan trailed Bay City Roller by 41 lengths, having failed drastically to cope with conditions. The pair could meet again this season, as Graffard said after: “I think he’ll go for the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and then back for the King George.”
As a gelding, Calandagan can be campaigned more fruitfully both as a result of physical constitution and the nature of not protecting his profile as a stallion. If unscathed from Epsom, his season may be a carbon copy of last year.
Benvenuto Cellini for Derby redemption
While it mightn’t appear on the form-book, Benvenuto Cellini still had a race at Epsom despite a hindered start. Like last year’s winner Lambourn, he holds an entry in the Irish Derby. Two entries over ten furlongs appear after. However, an entry in the Irish St Leger suggests a drop back in trip isn’t the obvious route.