The Derby 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with a field full of varied profiles and intriguing prospects. Here’s a horse-by-horse guide to the runners and their chances.
Al Wasl Storm
Trained by Owen Burrows and ridden by David Probert from stall 13, Al Wasl Storm represents the green and white silks of Ahmad al Shaikh, an owner known for buying cheaply and aiming for big results. Purchased for just €7,000, this son of the little-known stallion Affinisea has shown modest form with one minor win from three starts since April. Despite his low price and inexperience, his stablemates have previously defied expectations in the Derby, but this colt is a long shot to make an impact.
Damysus
With three runs under his belt and trained by John & Thady Gosden, Damysus comes into the race from stall 15. He finished second to Pride of Arras in the Dante Stakes at York, showing promise but still needing to develop. Having only raced since December, he remains a raw talent who might improve over the 12-furlong trip, but stamina and experience are questions.
Delacroix
Aidan O’Brien’s main hope, ridden by Ryan Moore from stall 14, Delacroix is the favourite following a commanding win in Leopardstown’s Derby Trial. His juvenile form was solid, including a narrow Group One defeat last year. The 12-furlong distance should suit him well, but Leopardstown trials haven’t produced a Derby winner since 2002, and he may have limited room to improve given this will be his seventh race.
Green Storm
Also owned by Ahmad al Shaikh and trained by Charlie Johnston, Green Storm (stall eight) cost a modest €12,000 as a yearling. He impressed last autumn with a strong Group One performance in France and is notable for being the first Derby ride for 19-year-old rising star jockey Billy Loughnane. However, at long odds, he’s unlikely to be a serious contender.
Lambourn
Another O’Brien contender, Lambourn starts from stall 10 with Wayne Lordan aboard. He won the Chester Vase strongly over an extended 12 furlongs, showing stamina and an ability to handle soft ground, although some worry about his early speed. He is expected to finish strongly but may struggle to get into the early mix.
Lazy Griff
From Charlie Johnston’s yard and ridden by Christophe Soumillon in stall three, Lazy Griff was second in the Chester Vase and carries echoes of Wings of Eagles, the 2017 Derby winner who was also beaten in his trial. With rain favoring him and Soumillon in the saddle, he’s a tempting each-way bet.
Midak
Carrying the green and red colours of the late Aga Khan IV, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, Midak is unbeaten in three starts. His impressive turn of foot in the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud puts him on a promising path, echoing 2011 Derby winner Pour Moi, who also used that race as a stepping stone.
New Ground
A colt purchased by Juddmonte for £75,000 and trained by Henri Devin, New Ground draws stall 17. Despite limited track experience and finishing close thirds in France, the 12-furlong distance could see improvement. However, he remains an outsider with a slim chance of placing.
Nightime Dancer
Trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Jamie Spencer from stall nine, Nightime Dancer finished a distant fourth in the Lingfield Derby Trial. With stamina in his pedigree but lacking the necessary speed, his best chance may lie in longer races like the St Leger.
Nightwalker
The Gosdens’ second runner, with Tom Marquand up from stall five, Nightwalker was fifth in the Dante Stakes, some distance behind stablemate Pride of Arras. Despite an uneven run in that race, he showed potential on gallops and might improve over the mile and a half, possibly finishing in the top four.
Pride of Arras
Ralph Beckett’s stable star, ridden by Rossa Ryan from stall 16, is the Dante Stakes winner and a standout contender. This colt has tactical speed, balance, and a strong finishing kick, all key Derby attributes. Although soft ground could pose a challenge, he’s expected to stay the trip and is a must-have on any shortlist.
Rogue Impact
From James Owen’s yard and drawn in stall one, Rogue Impact looks more like a hopeful outsider than a serious challenger. Well beaten in the Lingfield Trial, he has a remote chance to finish ahead of some others but is unlikely to trouble the main contenders.
Ruling Court
Charlie Appleby’s 2,000 Guineas winner, ridden by William Buick from stall seven, is the highest-rated colt in the field. The key question is whether he can handle the Derby’s extra half-mile. If he stays the distance, he’s the one to beat; if not, his chances evaporate.
Sea Scout
Simon and Ed Crisford’s runner, with Harry Davies aboard from stall 18, is the only horse in the race with a previous win at Epsom. He took the Blue Riband Trial over 10 furlongs in April but has limited positives beyond that and looks unlikely to progress enough for victory.
Stanhope Gardens
Stable companion to Pride of Arras, trained by Ralph Beckett and ridden by Hector Crouch from stall two, Stanhope Gardens has had an unusual prep but showed promise with a recent easy win at Salisbury. He may not be a top contender but is worth considering for each-way bets.
Tennessee Stud
Trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle from stall 12, Tennessee Stud boasts a Group One win as a two-year-old but was well beaten in the Leopardstown Derby trial. Improvement is needed, and the market suggests he may not be up to the task just yet.
The Lion In Winter
An enigma trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Colin Keane from stall 19, he showed early promise but was beaten in the Dante Stakes and passed over by Ryan Moore for this race. Bred for stamina but facing a wide draw, he is a respected contender but with doubts over his ability to settle and stay.
Tornado Alert
Saeed bin Suroor’s runner, with Oisin Murphy in the saddle from stall 11, ran a commendable fourth in the 2,000 Guineas but may prefer shorter distances. Although Murphy is a top jockey, the colt looks more suited to shorter races than the Derby’s demanding trip.
Tuscan Hills
Raphael Freire’s trainee, ridden by David Egan from stall six, is the sole representative of Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing. Despite stable location advantages, his form is below what’s required, struggling at 10 furlongs in the Dante, and he is unlikely to challenge.
In summary, the key contenders appear to be Ruling Court, if stamina holds; Pride of Arras, for tactical speed and potential; and Delacroix, favored but with questions over improvement. Others like Lazy Griff, Midak, and Stanhope Gardens offer each-way value, while a number of runners fill out the field with little chance of victory. The Derby promises a fascinating blend of raw potential, proven class, and unpredictable outcomes over its testing mile and a half.
