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Derby 2026: Likely runners as 17 horses on target for 2 million Epsom Classic

Aidan OBrien trains seven of the candidates for the Betfred-sponsored race including big race favourite Benvenuto Cellini, likely mount of Ryan Moore

[Lambourn delivered Aidan O'Brien's 11th victory in the Derby]

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Lambourn delivered Aidan O'Brien's 11th victory in the Derby(Image: Getty Images)

Aidan OBrien will bid for a 12th victory in the 2 million Betfred Derby with yet another strong team of contenders.

The Ballydoyle maestro, who has the record for most wins by a trainer in the race, captured the French Derby on Sunday with Constitution River, in the process sealing a 1-2-3 with horses from his stable. He yet again appears to have a stranglehold on the Epsom Classic for which he has seven horses engaged after the latest confirmation stage for Saturdays big race.

His team is headed by Benvenuto Cellini, the Chester Vase winner, who is the bookies favourite to clinch OBriens fourth victory in a row, following successes with Lambourn, City Of Try and Auguste Rodin.

He is likely to be number one jockey Ryan Moores big race mount as he seeks a fifth win at Epsom.

OBriens other contenders are Action, Causeway, Christmas Day, Endorsement, Pierre Bonnard and Proposition.

The main threat to more OBrien domination will come from Item, trained by Andrew Balding for Juddmonte, who won the Dante Stakes, and Maltese Cross, owned by Snakes On A Plane producer George Waud, and trained by William Haggas. He earned his place with victory in the Lingfield Derby Trial over Bay Of Brilliance, who is also in the line-up.

[Benvenuto Cellini: favourite for the Derby]

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Benvenuto Cellini: favourite for the Derby(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Joseph OBrien, son of Aidan, will attempt to win the race he captured as a jockey with James J Braddock who won the Leopardstown Derby Trial.

While football agent Kia Joorabchian, who has had two Derby near-misses in Amo Racing colours, has high hopes for Ancient Egypt.

The Yorkshire-trained colt, who cost connections 1.1 million at auction, won the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket last month.

Betfred Derby confirmations

Action Aidan O'Brien

Alderman Richard Hannon

Ancient Egypt Charlie Johnston

A Taste of Glory Andrew Balding

Balzac Jane Chapple-Hyam

Bay Of Brilliance Ralph Beckett

Benvenuto Cellini Aidan O'Brien

Causeway Aidan O'Brien

Christmas Day Aidan O'Brien

Endorsement Aidan O'Brien

Item Andrew Balding

James J Braddock Joseph O'Brien

Maltese Cross William Haggas

Pierre Bonnard Aidan O'Brien

Poker Karl Burke

Proposition Aidan O'Brien

Rebel Rocker Faye Bramley

Latest betting (Coral): 7-4 Benvenuto Cellini, 7-2 Item, 7 Pierre Bonnard, 9 Maltese Cross, 12 James J Braddock, 14 Bay Of Brilliance, Ancient Egypt, 20 Action, 25 Christmas Day, 40 Causeway, Endorsement, 80 Proposition, 100 Balzac, Rebel Rocker, 150 A Taste Of Glory, 200 Alderman, Poker.

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