Derby: Benvenuto Cellini leads four-strong Aidan O’Brien team for Epsom Classic | Racing news

Benvenuto Cellini leads the 14 declarations for the Betfred Derby as Aidan O’Brien launches a four-strong attack in search of a record-extending 12th success at the Epsom Classic.

The Masters at Ballydoyle have proved unbeatable at Surrey Downs in recent years, with this year’s team attempting to make it four in a row for the Irishmen, following victories at August Rodin (2023), City of Troy (2024) and Lambourn (2025) respectively.

Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini will be joined by stablemates Pierre Bonnard, Action and Christmas Day, with Pierre Bonnard taking top honors despite not yet striking this term, with the latter pair finishing second and third respectively in Dante.

York’s winner on the day was Item, who was one of two in Andrew Balding’s race alongside A Taste of Glory and is regarded by bookmakers as the most likely challenger to the Ballydoyle-trained favorite as he improves on his unbeaten record at Knavesmuir.

William Haggus’ Maltese cross made it two from two for the year by edging out Ralph Beckett’s Bay of Brilliance and will lock horns again at Surrey Downs, with Charlie Johnston’s Ancient Egypt another British-trained contender impressing in the Newmarket Stakes.

Also heading to Epsom on a high is Joseph O’Brien’s James J Braddock who beat the aforementioned Pierre Bonnard at Leopardstown, his handler will be looking to make another big push in a race he has won twice as a jockey at Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014).

Jane Chapple-Hyam and Faye Bramley will both attempt to become the first female trainers to win the Derby by winning Balzac and Rebel Rocker respectively, Carl Burke’s 4.3 million Guineas yearling Poker and Richard Hannon’s Alderman, who both entered the race as maidens.

Amelia Earhart is aptly cast as the head of Oakes Field

Superb Cheshire Oaks winner Amelia Earhart will lead Aidan O’Brien’s quest for a 12th victory in the Betfred Oaks after the Ballydoyle handler pries out at the final announcement stage.

O’Brien, who first won the race with Shahtoosh in 1998, led a three-pronged attack as Chester was declared victorious for the second Phillies Classic in nine seasons.

The all-conquering trainer has won the race 11 times and has renewed seven of the last 11, including with Mini Hawk in last year’s race.

Cameo, winner of the Lingfield Oaks Trial, and Sugar Island will join Amelia Earhart in Friday’s race and was among four Irish raiders with Joseph O’Brien’s Thundering On – a wide margin winner of the Salsabile Stakes at Navan last time – completing the quartet.

Ralph Beckett provides three home contingents with Wathnan Racing’s A La Prochaine, Kay Sara and On Message to add to his previous two race wins with Luke Hare (2008) and Talent (2013).

While Charlie Johnston’s 1000 Guineas third adds to a Venice Lace home defense that also includes John and Thaddy Gosden’s Musidora winner Legacy Link, which will be ridden by Juddmont’s retained rider Colin Keane.

Amelia Earhart leads the betting after charging to a two-length victory at Chester last month. Legacy Link and fellow Irish challenger Thundering On are the next best on the market.