Epsom Derby 2021 runner-by-runner guide to Saturday’s Classic on ITV Racing

Everything you need to know about the runners and riders for Saturday's Epsom Derby (4.30pm).

*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

We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to every runner in the Epsom Derby so you’re in the know for today’s big one.

Paddy’s top traders have priced up the latest odds for the world’s greatest flat race after a field of 12 runners were declared.

Don’t forget you can live stream all of today’s renewals from Epsom Downs on paddypower.com and via the Paddy Power app.

New to Paddy Power?

John Leeper

Trainer: Ed Dunlop Jockey: Frankie Dettori

By Frankel out of an Oaks winner and could prove very good himself as he’s improved rapidly so far, doing plenty wrong but still well on top at Newmarket 3 weeks ago. Couldn’t dismiss under Dettori.

Third Realm

Trainer: Roger Varian Jockey: Andrea Atzeni

Took another huge step forward from his reappearance win when readily landing the Lingfield Derby Trial by 1¼ lengths from Adayar 3 weeks ago. More to come still over this trip and he’s a player.

Youth Spirit

Trainer: Andrew Balding Jockey: Tom Marquand

Took another big step forward when winning the Chester Vase in good style in the mud last month, keeping on well. Remains capable of even better but plenty of his rivals make more appeal on balance.

Mac Swiney

Trainer: J. S. Bolger Jockey: K. J. Manning

Goes really well in the mud and notched up a second Group 1 when making all in the Irish 2000 Guineas a fortnight ago. Should stay this far and prospects even brighter if it rains.

Gear Up

Trainer: Mark Johnston Jockey: Ben Curtis

Winner of 3 of his 4 starts at 2 yrs, notably the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud final outing. Will come on plenty for his return in the Dante behind Hurricane Lane and this trip is sure to suit.

One Ruler

Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: James Doyle

Did well at 2 yrs, chasing home Mac Swiney in the Futurity at Doncaster final start, and he returned with a good run in the 2000 Guineas. Should strip fitter here and not without a chance if he stays.

Bolshoi Ballet

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore

Hugely exciting son of Galileo who has won the 2 main Irish trials at Leopardstown impressively, clocking an excellent time in the Derrinstown 4 weeks ago. Yard’s only runner and the one to beat.

Mohafeeth

Trainer: William Haggas Jockey: Jim Crowley

Took a huge step forward when making it 3-3 for the year in listed contest at Newmarket 5 weeks ago, coming clear as his rider pleased. This trip bound to suit and he’s a colt of huge potential.

Southern Lights

Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jockey: Declan McDonogh

Successful return in 10f Leopardstown maiden and not seen to best effect behind Bolshoi Ballet in the Derrinstown there 4 weeks ago. Longer trip will suit but huge improvement needed to figure.

Mojo Star

Trainer: Richard Hannon Jockey: David Egan

Has made a promising start in 2 races at Newbury 7 months apart, running into a useful prospect on return. Step up in trip will suit but huge shock if he opened his account in this.

Adayar

Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: Adam Kirby

Wide-margin winner of heavy-ground Nottingham maiden last autumn and has returned with good efforts at Sandown and Lingfield, though no match for Third Realm 4 weeks ago. Has plenty on from stall 1.

Hurricane Lane

Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: William Buick

Improving in leaps and bounds, showing plenty of guts as well as stamina when making it 3-3 in the Dante. This stiffer test will suit and only unbeaten runner in the race has an each-way chance.

DON’T MISS

  • OUR BRAND NEW SNAZZY RACECARDS FOR EVERY SINGLE RACE TODAY
  • … THEN CHECK OUT ALL THE WINNERS BEFORE ANYONE ELSE WITH OUR FAST RESULTS PAGES

TIMEFORM VERDICT

It’s very notable that the hugely-exciting BOLSHOI BALLET is the only runner for Ballydoyle and he can give Aidan O’Brien a stunning ninth Derby this century, 20 years on from his sire Galileo’s victory. He won the two main Irish trials impressively and should have even more to offer over this longer trip. Mohaafeth, Hurricane Lane and Irish 2000 Guineas-winner Mac Swiney complete the shortlist.

READ MORE ON THE EPSOM DERBY

The latest racing odds are on PaddyPower.com now

The Paddy Power Guide To Responsible Gambling – Everything You Need To Know