Epsom Derby tips and odds: Arrest our main fancy

Its the biggest race of the English Flat season on Saturday afternoon and the pre-eminent contest from a breeding perspective as the latest crop of three-year-olds bid for glory in the Derby at Epsom.

It’s the biggest race of the English Flat season on Saturday afternoon and the pre-eminent contest from a breeding perspective as the latest crop of three-year-olds bid for glory in the Derby at Epsom.

The Betfred Derby goes off at the earlier time than usual of 1.30pm and is the feature on an eight-race card from the Surrey course.

As always, the cameras will be trained on Frankie Dettori as the veteran jockey looks to land his third Derby win on his final spin in the great race. Our expert has a couple of selections for the Derby.

Epsom, 1.30, Saturday June 3 – Epsom Derby odds

Odds are courtesy of Betfred, correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

Epsom Derby betting predictions

Odds correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change.

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Doubts cast over Auguste Rodin

Auguste Rodin was a standout two-year-old last season and his Futurity Trophy win at Doncaster was a stellar effort, albeit perhaps one embellished by the pace collapsing in front on testing ground.

The noises for him ahead of the 2,000 Guineas were extremely positive, and the rain-softened ground had to be a plus, but his run at Newmarket was a bitter disappointment.

He was always expected to excel once upped in distance but it would be hard to explain away his Guineas flop by suggesting it was the mile trip that beat him.

Once more, Aidan O’Brien has been bullish in the run-up to this race – and it could be foolish to doubt the trainer with more Derby wins than any other – but at this moment the Epsom favourite has something to prove and that means he is overlooked at the current odds.

Outbreak of Frankie fever at Epsom

It’s possible that a bout of Frankie fever will engulf Epsom Downs if Dettori can bring ARREST home in front for John and Thady Gosden on his final Derby outing.

Dettori is the ultimate box-office rider and he showed in the 2,000 Guineas last month that this farewell tour isn’t going to be without its major moments.

Arrest won the Chester Vase in fine style last time and in doing so gave a strong hint that his class is backed up by the stamina required to see this trip out. He powered away off the home bend and was able to cruise home in front.

This is clearly a more difficult test but he’s an improving colt and, unlike the favourite, has shown his well-being this season. Dettori was underwhelmed by a recent workout at Epsom but having that experience of coming down around Tattenham Corner can only serve them well now.

It took Dettori 15 attempts to win this great race on Authorized in 2007. Eight years later Golden Horn gave him a second win and now, after another eight years, Arrest may send him out on a Derby hat-trick.

Selection: Arrest @ 5/1 with Betfred

White Birch the one from the Dante

Picking a next best isn’t easy in such an open renewal of the Epsom Classic. It will be no surprise if one of the Ballydoyle outsiders – Adelaide River and San Antonio – runs a big race, while Charlie Johnston’s team are confident that Guineas fifth Dubai Mile is ready to step up in a big way as the young trainer looks to land the race his father Mark never could at the very first attempt.

Ralph Beckett’s Artistic Star is unbeaten and with lots of potential, while there was lots to like about the Lingfield Trial win of Military Order. He bids to give Charlie Appleby his third Derby success in six years and isn’t passed over easily.

The form of the Dante Stakes at York is a key factor. The Foxes won there for Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding, while Passenger in third was deemed luckless for Richard Kingscote and Sir Michael Stoute after getting stuck behind horses.

Both have their claims now but WHITE BIRCH split them on the Knavesmire and is also capable of having a big say here for his Irish trainer John Murphy.

He had to come wide from the rear at York while The Foxes enjoyed a far more straightforward trip into contention but just a neck split them at the winning post.

White Birch looks very much like the extra two furlongs will suit him now and while Shane Foley is instead taking the mount on the Jessica Harrington-trained Sprewell (another with fine claims), the booking of Ireland’s champion jockey Colin Keane looks a masterstroke for this son of Ulysses. They can play a part in the finish but Frankie may steal the show.

Selection: White Birch @ 12/1 with Betfred

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