10 top tips for betting on the Derby
The Investec Derby at Epsom is a highlight of the racing calendar. So whether you are off to the track to watch the racing live, or will be following on TV at 4pm on Saturday (7 June), here are some useful betting tips from well-known names in the racing and equestrian world.
H&H VIPs: Watch video coursewalk of Epsom with Michael Hills
H&H reader offer: New Paddy Power customers can get 2/1 on hot favourite Australia to win the Derby at Epsom on Saturday. Sign up now at http://pdy.pr/HandHhr Max bet £20.
Epsom Derby betting tips
1. Marcus Armytage, H&H racing correspondent
Tip: Kingston Hill (trainer: Roger Varian, jockey: Andrea Atzeni)
Why: The best 2-year-old in the field, had valid excuses in the Guineas and will go on the ground if the wet forecast is correct.
2. Izzy Taylor, eventer
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Tip: Australia (Aidan O’Brien, Joseph O’Brien)
Why: Australia should prove tough to beat and I can see him make Aiden O’Brien the first trainer to win 3 consecutive runnings of the Derby.
3. Brough Scott, H&H racing columnist
Tip: Kingston Hill (Roger Varian, Andrea Atzeni)
Why: I have always liked the horse, he loves soft ground and was running on well at the end of the 2,000 Guineas.
4. Nick Luck, Channel 4 Racing presenter
Tip: Fascinating Rock (Dermot Weld, Pat Smullen)
Why: He moved beautifully when finishing second past the post (subsequently promoted) in what looked a strong trial at Leopardstown, and will run a huge race if his stamina lasts home.
5. Amy Mathieson, H&H acting news editor and racing fan
Tip: Kingston Hill (Roger Varian, Andrea Atzeni)
Why: He won the Racing Post Trophy, plus trainer Roger Varian says he’s in good form and handled the gallop at Epsom’s Breakfast with the Stars well. Should like the softer ground if there is rain.
6. Gina Bryce, TV presenter
Tip: Arod ( Peter Chapple-Hyam, Jamie Spencer)
Why: Named after Tolkien’s fictional white horse, he burst into the Derby picture with a runaway win at Windsor on only his second ever racecourse appearance in April. Despite his subsequent defeat in the Derby’s most significant trial — the Dante Stakes at York — he is trained by a dual winner of the Classic and I expect the lightly raced colt to have learnt enough from the experience to become his third.
7. Richard Gurney MFH, H&H columnist
Tip: True Story (Saeed Bin Suroor, Kieren Fallon)
Why: Unless the hot favourite [Australia] is the next Shergar — and I don’t think he is — this is my choice.
8. Ralph Beckett, trainer
Tip: Kingston Hill (Roger Varian, Andrea Atzeni)
Why: If the wet forecast is correct then I think this is our winner.
9. Olivia Hills, Press Officer, Epsom Downs Racecourse;
Tip: Kingston Hill
Why: He was a classy 2-year-old, being one of the leading juveniles last season and he worked very well at Epsom’s media day last week. He ran his race first time out in 2,000 Guineas not being placed, but apparently came out of the race now. I think he will take to the step up in trip and is definitely worth an each way bet.
10. Alex Hammond, TV presenter
Tip: Geoffrey Chaucer (Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Moore)
Why: I think the Derrinstown is a good trial and he was bit unlucky. Ryan Moore rides which is a huge plus too.
H&H reader offer: New Paddy Power customers can get 2/1 on hot favourite Australia to win the Derby at Epsom on Saturday. Sign up now at http://pdy.pr/HandHhr Max bet £20.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Polly joined the Horse & Hound team in summer 2013. A former senior master of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase, her hunting knowledge and contacts are second to none. She left Horse & Hound at the end of 2016 to join The Hunting Office.