For keen sports betting fans, summer 2026 could very well be the best few months in many years. While we can’t guarantee blue skies and warm sunshine, we can guarantee plenty of sporting action to look ahead to.
While events like Wimbledon, the U.S Open, and of course, The World Cup often steal the headlines, there’s heaps of action ahead for horseracing fans too. The Epsom Derby for example, or simply ‘The Derby’, is one of the most prestigious events in the horseracing calendar.
Taking place at Surrey’s Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday the 6th of June, this historic event has become a cultural marvel that attracts enormous crowds from all corners of the globe. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy a cheeky flutter on the horses.
Now just a matter of weeks away, bookmakers across Ireland have chosen their Epsom favourites. Here are a few runners worth backing.
Benvenuto Cellini
As of this writing, Benvenuto Cellini is the horse that most Irish bookmakers are tipping for the win in Surrey.
This classically bred colt of Aidan O’Brien’s will be coming off a dominant victory at the Chester Vase earlier in May, so the momentum will clearly be there.
Aidan always seems to know how to get the best from this runner, particularly on good to hard ground. Considering the time of year, conditions will likely be perfect. This too, will be reflected in the odds.
Currently, Ladbrokes have Benvenuto Cellini as the favourite, with 5/2 odds. BOYLE Sports have him at 9/4.
Item
Surprisingly to some, Item is not actually favourite to win the Epsom Derby across the board. The reason it’s surprising is because this three-year-old thoroughbred, trained by Andrew Balding, is currently undefeated out of 4 starts.
Having previously enjoyed a fantastic 2025, he continued to impress the following year, capped off with a dominant performance in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York. Again, it is good-firm running conditions that he prefers, which means that next month’s showdown in Surrey will be one racing fans won’t want to miss.
Ladbrokes are currently providing 5/1 odds of winning, whereas BOYLE Sports have him at 4/1. Whether you’re having a punt or not, this is a horse worth keeping an eye on.
Constitution River
Many bookmakers actually have Constitution River as the favourite to win the Epsom Derby, though the odds have slipped in recent weeks.
Speaking of undefeated three-year-olds, Constitution River is another prime example. Also trained by Aidan O’Brien, many were unsure about whether he would be favouring this colt, or Benvenuto Cellini for the Derby. It appears that it’s Cellini he’ll be banking on.
Despite this, after a win at the Dee Stakes in Chester, earlier in the month, he too will have plenty of momentum on his side. It is also expected that jockey Ryan Moore, will favour this Colt, as according to O’Brien the jockey ‘would find it very hard to get off Cellini for the Derby, unless Constitution River happens to line up’. That shows the faith he has in this beast.
If you fancy backing Constitution River, BOYLE Sports have him at 7/2, while Ladbrokes are providing odds of 6/1.
Maltese Cross
Finally, Maltese Cross is another favourite for the Betfred Derby next month, with 10/1 odds with both BOYLE Sports and Ladbrokes.
Trained by William Haggas, this colt is currently riding a wave of momentum, as he is coming off the back of a 3-race winning streak, capped off by a victory at the Lingfield Derby Trial earlier in May. It was this very victory in fact, that earned him a spot at the Derby in the first place.
A tenacious horse with a preference for good to firm ground, a victory here will boost his stock no end.