The 2010 Epsom Derby takes place on Saturday 5th June and whilst that may appear some time away, racing fans together with bookmakers already have an idea of the likely leading contenders for the 2010 renewal.
With the curtain falling on another Flat Season in the UK and Ireland, the leading two year olds have run their last racesof the year and will be put away for the winter ready to come back next term as three year olds. Races like the Dewhurst Stakes and Racing Post Trophy have become synonymous as key form guides towards the following year's classics. Below, we take a look at the most impressive two year olds of 2009 who look set to make to make top middle distance performers and likely Derby Runners in 2010.
St Nicholas Abbey
This Aidan O'Brien trained Colt is already being billed as the next racing superstar where many believe that he will follow in the footsteps of the great Sea The Stars (especially after emulating Sea the Stars in the Beresford Stakes). Favourite for both the 2,000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby, this Montjeu colt is sure to be the punters favourite next season but whether he can be quite as good as Sea the Stars remains a big ask. St Nicholas Abbey Derby Odds
Elusive Pimpernel
This John Dunlop trained two year old had won both his first two starts but was not good enough to hold off St Nicholas Abbey in his third. He was a 3¼ length second in the Group One Racing Post Trophy, but showed enough ability to suggest that should he come to himself early as a three year old he could improve considerably.
Arcano
Three races and three wins as a juvenile, this very smart, Brian Meehan trained youngster has won at both Group 2 and Group 1 level and was all the rage until St Nicholas Abbey trotted up in the Racing Post Trophy. Nonetheless nothing should be taken away from him, he won the group One Prix Morny at Deauville where he had, Coventry Stakes winner, and former 2000 Guineas favourite, Canford Cliffs behind him. He is second favourite for the 2000 Guineas and could be a lively Derby outsider.
Awzaan
Unbeaten after four starts, including the Group One Middle Park Stakes, and the Group Two Mill reef Stakes, this Mark Johnston trained colt has improved each time he has raced. From a stable whose horses have renowned fighting qualities, punters can expect more of the same next season
Canford Cliffs
Although going down to Arcano in the Prix Morny, this smart Richard Hannon colt was a very impressive winner of the Group Two Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot a win which took him to the top of the 2000 Guineas antepost market. Prior to that he won a very smart maiden at Newbury but has not been seen on course since the Prix Morny in August.
Steinbeck
At one time thought to be the Ballydoyle first string, this impressive looking Footstepsinthesands colt is well liked by his trainer, Aidan O’Brien, but they have had problems with him through the summer. He won a good quality Maiden in his opening race, but only returned to racing in October when he was fourth behind stablemate, Beethoven in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes. Some may have viewed this as disappointing but it was clear that trainer, Aidan O’Brien was pleased with him confirming that there is a lot of stable confidence behind him for next season.
Kingsfort
Probably the main Godolphin challenger for Classic honours in 2010 after being snapped up in a private sale between Godolphin and Kevin Prendergast. This unbeaten colt was the very impressive winner of the National Stakes at the Curragh, where he had the very highly regarded, Chabal and subsequent Dewhurst Stakes winner, Beethoven behind him. It was a tremendous victory that followed up an excellent Maiden victory in June.
The 2009 Epsom Derby Meeting got off to a cracking start yesterday with Sariska winning the Oaks and all eyes are on the Colts today with the big race going off at 3.45pm. We have the the best 2009 Derby Guide around including the latest odds for the big race. Sea The Stars is the horse on everyone's lips following his excellent win in the 2000 Guineas and looks set to go to post as favourite.
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Aidan O'Brien has six horses in the race as he looks to land his third Derby win, the first since 2002 but his large contingent would suggest he is unsure of his best horse. Rip Van Winkle and Fame and Glory are the leading Ballydoyle duo with the stable's number one jockey, Johnny Murtagh, opting to ride Ride Rip Van Winkle and Seamus Heffernan on Fame and Glory and this has had a big impact on the market, with the pair now vying for second favourite position behind fellow Irish runner and favourite, the John oxx trained Sea the Stars.
Full list of 2009 Derby Entries
Our Odds Comparison table enables you to get the best possible price on your Derby selection. With so many bookies vying for your custom, it is the punter who wins as they can ensure they get best the best odds available with different bookmakers offering different odds, such is the divide in opinion and competitive nature of the race. Compare the best odds from leading bookmakers
Betting Directory's resident tipster, Channel 4 Racing's Tom Lee has posted his preview of the Epsom Derby and his selection for the race is Sea the Stars - read Tom's Derby preview here.
We will be closely following all the important Derby Trials that matter in the lead up to the big race so we can pick out some of the horses that may feature in the big race. Check out our 2010 Derby Form Guide as you look to make sure you are up to date with all the horses that are bang in form heading to Epsom.
Free Bets and Betting Offers for the 2010 Derby
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