The favourites for the 2021 Epsom Derby

2021 Epsom Derby
2021 Epsom Derby

With the Epsom Derby Festival and Royal Ascot both taking place next month, fans of flat racing will already be counting down the days to June. The fact that spectators will finally be allowed back into both courses will make the two historic meetings even better and there’s no doubt that the rip-roaring action will be truly savoured by those lucky enough to get tickets.  

The rest of us will be glued to our television sets throughout the course of the meetings, whilst scouring sites like https://www.betdaq.com/exchange/horse-racing/100004 for the best odds and tips. So, with the Derby set to take place on June 5th, let’s zone in on the prestigious Group 1 race and analyse those leading the way in the betting market.  

Bolshoi Ballet – 7/4 

Aidan O’Brien-trained Bolshoi Ballet hit the track for the first time back in October, racing three times throughout the course of the month — winning just once. Jockey Ryan Moore, who was in the horse’s saddle for his debut at Newmarket, has taken the reins so far this season, and the duo have enjoyed victories in both their outings. As a result, the three-year-old is now as short as 7/4 to win the Derby. 

High Definition – 9/2 

O’Brien’s High Definition is next in line in the betting at 9/2. He started his career well with two victories on the spin at Curragh last August and September. However, he was unable to start this season on the front foot, coming home in third in the Dante Stakes at York earlier this month despite setting off as the market leader. It’ll be interesting to see if he can bounce back from that upset in the Derby.  

Mohaafeth – 5/1 

Given Mohaafeth’s start to the season, we’re sure the William Haggas-trained horse will be a popular pick with the punters at 5/1. The three-year-old started the season with a victory at Lingfield in March and has since won twice at Newmarket — including an impressive five-length triumph in the Newmarket Stakes at the beginning of this month.  

Hurricane Lane – 6/1 

Hurricane Lane started his career in fine fettle, winning at Newmarket towards the end of last year before backing that up with a victory at Newbury in April. He added to those two triumphs at York earlier this month — beating Megallan and High Definition over the line in the Dante Stakes. There’s no doubt that trainer Charlie Appleby will be hoping his horse can get the better of High Definition again at Epsom.  

Third Realm – 10/1 

Third Realm finished a disappointing fifth in his debut at Kempton in November. However, he has responded well to being stepped up in trip by trainer Roger Varian since – winning over one mile and two furlongs at Nottingham before romping home in first in the one-mile, three-and-a-half-furlong Derby Trial at Lingfield. He’s certainly proved he can handle the distance, so he’ll make for an interesting bet at 10/1.  

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O’Brien duo Van Gogh and Wordsworth are next in line at 12/1 followed by the likes of Mac Swiney (16/1), Sir Lamorak (16/1) and Adayar (20/1).