Derby Trial races and winners ahead of 2023 Epsom Classic

The key form lines to follow...

Sprewell wins the Leopardstown Derby Trial

*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules

The Derby is the most illustrious race on the Flat racing calendar in the UK – and a number of key races could help point you in the direction of the horse that will come out on top at Epsom in June.

In fact, the major Trials that have been used as stepping stones to winning the Classic are among the biggest prizes on offer in the early months of the turf season including the Chester Vase and Dante Stakes.

Desert Crown won the latter race at York en route to Epsom glory and it is set to be the final piece of the puzzle ahead of this year’s Derby on Saturday, June 3.

Derby odds can be found on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise details of the key Trials and winners of those races are below.

Epsom Derby 2023 Trial Races

April 2: Ballysax Stakes – White Birch
April 19: Feilden Stakes – Canberra Legend
April 20: Craven Stakes – Indestructible
April 26: Classic Trial – Abandoned
May 1: Prix Greffulhe – Greenland
May 6: 2000 Guineas – Chaldean
May 7: Leopardstown Derby Trial – Sprewell
May 10: Chester Vase – Arrest
May 11: Dee Stakes – San Antonio
May 13: Lingfield Derby Trial* – Military Order
May 18: Dante Stakes – TBC

*race switched to Lingfield’s all-weather track

Epsom Derby Winners

2022: Desert Crown – Dante Stakes (1st)
2021: Adayar – Classic Trial (2nd) Lingfield Derby Trial (2nd)
2020: Serpentine – Dubai Duty Free The Irish Village Irish EBF Maiden (1st)
2019: Anthony Van Dyck – Lingfield Derby Trial (1st)
2018: Masar – 2000 Guineas (3rd) Craven Stakes (1st)
2017: Wings Of Eagles – Chester Vase (2nd)
2016: Harzand – Ballysax Stakes (1st)
2015: Golden Horn – Dante Stakes (1st) Feilden Stakes (1st)
2014: Australia – 2000 Guineas (3rd)
2013: Ruler Of The World – Chester Vase (1st)
2012: Camelot – 2000 Guineas (1st)
2011: Pour Moi – Prix Greffulhe (1st)

The Lingfield Derby Trial, Chester Vase, Dante Stakes and 2000 Guineas appear to be key form lines to consider from the last 12 years.

Chaldean came out on top in this year’s 2000 Guineas but does not hold an entry for the Derby at Epsom. Royal Scotsman was the highest-placed horse (3rd) at Newmarket that is in contention to run in the Classic.

Military Order, a full brother to 2021 Derby winner Adayar, landed the Lingfield Derby Trial, although the contest was switched to the all-weather track due to the turf course being flooded.

Epsom Derby favourites

Derby odds are on paddypower.com and prices for the leading contenders can be seen on our snazzy widgets below.

Godolphin prospect Military Order is the favourite with Paddy Power for the Derby after getting the better of Waipiro in the Lingfield Derby Trial.

John & Thady Gosden’s runner Arrest is next in our antepost market after blitzing the field in testing conditions in the Chester Vase.

Auguste Rodin is also prominent in the early betting despite flopping in the 2000 Guineas on seasonal reappearance.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

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