(3.5 minutes read)
This Saturday’s Betfred Derby, the second classic of the season, is headed at the market by the most talked about horse of the flat season so far.
The Aiden O’Brien trained City Of Troy exemplifies the expression “something to prove” in no uncertain terms after his inexplicable flop in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas earlier this month.
He has been all the rage in the market in recent days as punters look to forgive what is potentially a very exciting three year old.
We check out best Derby bets and top odds from the race sponsors Betfred along with competitive odds and offers from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
Betfred are also offering non-runner no bet on this event.
City Of Troy
After a pulsating season as a two year old where he bolted up in top events at Newmarket including the Dewhurst, expectations were high for City Of Troy for the 2000 Guineas.
The O’Brien team claims that their star just was not “in the right place” for the race. Star horses do have off days off course; however, successful 2-year-olds do not always transpire to be exceptional 3-year-olds.
It remains to be seen if the hype is justified for this latest Ballydoyle sensation. 9/4 (Betfred) is not an appealing price and it is a big risk considering the Guineas flop.
Los Angeles
The supposed second string from the Aiden O’Brien team. Judging by the recent betting activity on this entry, he is anything but.
Comes into this after an eye-catching staying performance in a Group 3 listed Derby trial at Leopardstown, which was even more impressive considering he was slow coming out of the stalls.
Excellent chance if he can build on that. Best odds 7/2 with Bet365.
Ancient Wisdom
The chief Goldolphin entry has been predictably well backed in recent days, especially as the team are chomping at the bit after their 2000 Guineas triumph.
Won convincingly twice last season including a good staying performance in the Group one Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster.
Was a bit unlucky in running when a beaten favourite in the recent Dante at York, although the eventual winner Economics could turn out to be something special.
Ancient Wisdom trades best with Betfred at 4/1 with NRNB.
Ambiente Friendly
This James Fanshawe trained entry has drifted alarmingly in the last few days.
A big concern is the horse’s tendency to pull hard and this could cost his chances in the first four furlongs of the race.
Nevertheless, his William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial win last Saturday was mighty impressive, and he cannot be ruled out. 7/1 best with William Hill.
Each Way Chances
Dancing Gemini trained by Roger Teal is certainly bred to stay this trip and ran brilliantly in the recent Longchamps 2000 Guineas to finish second. He will certainly improve further for that and looks great value at 12/1 with William Hill, Betfred and Boylesports.
Voyage makes obvious each way appeal for the Richard Hannon yard. He looks very unexposed after a cosy win at Newbury last month. Cracking value at Bet365 for 25/1.
Dallas Star who runs for Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing fits a useful profile as he comes straight from a win in the Ballysax Stakes ran at Leopardstown, which is exactly what previous Derby winner Harzand achieved back in 2016. Tempting odds of 40/1 best with William Hill.
Verdict
A tricky puzzle to solve. The race favourite City Of Troy needs a very trusty leap of faith if you want to believe the soundbites coming out of Ballydoyle.
Aiden O’Brien claims their potential superstar to be in fine fettle. If that is the case, the 3/1 could be exceptional value. However, this bet is based on sheer trust of a champion trainer’s words and nothing more.
The horse has to make a tremendous recovery from that Newmarket capitulation but it is not beyond him by any means.
However, seeking a value Derby each way option is a far more attractive proposition and placing a chance on the Richard Hannon Newbury winner Voyage at 25/1 (Bet365) would not be the worst betting mistake in the world.
There is plenty more to come from this horse, even if it is not realised in this formidably competitive Epsom classic.
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (6pm 30th May 2024) and are subject to change.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply
Click to Claim
