The betting favourites to win the 2024 Epsom Derby
Horse racing is a sport that can evoke themes of dominance or produce major upsets depending on the occasion. The odds markets however are always a useful guide to gauge the potential winners of major races.
The biggest flat racing event on the United Kingdom horse racing calendar is undoubtedly The Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse, and it is arguably the most famous race of its format in the world.
Here we will look at how the betting markets view the frontrunners for the race, including the outright frontrunner and the other realistic winners who could spring slight surprises in June.
City Of Troy is the outright favourite
The leading frontrunner in the Epsom Derby odds is City Of Troy, a horse from the United States who won all three of his races in an excellent 2023 debut year. For those wanting to make a horse racing bet, he is offered at 2/1 to win the Epsom Derby, one of the greatest prizes available on British soil.
The American horse has begun as a favourite in all of his entries so far and the odds would suggest that it is likely that streak will be prolonged beyond his biggest challenge yet.
Aiden O’Brien is the trainer of the American horse. Based on O’Brien’s reputation we can imagine that a successful future lies ahead of City Of Troy. The Irish trainer consistently nurtures flat racing winners in the UK and City Of Troy looks poised to extend his Derby wins record to ten this year.
Dean Gallagher on City Of Troy at Ballydoyle this morning! pic.twitter.com/EjMpnGPbjA
— Mike Cattermole (@Catters61) March 2, 2024
The only hurdle to City Of Troy’s first major success arriving at Epsom is perhaps the adaptation needed to run for over 1.5 miles compared to the seven-furlong races he endured in his opening year in the sport.
The North American horse is thoroughly expected to showcase the greatest raw pace and explosiveness from the start, however, other horses may be able to catch him out if managing the distance becomes a problem.
Ancient Wisdom and Henry Longfellow expected to provide the strongest opposition
Ancient Wisdom and Henry Longfellow are seen as the joint most likely winners according to the odds if City Of Troy underperforms. Both are offered at 6/1 to win the 2024 Epsom Derby which makes them slight outsiders but means victory is certainly realistic.
The former, like City Of Troy, experienced its debut year in 2023 and had a similar level of success with five race entries and four victories – three of which were Grade One contests.
Henry Longfellow is another O’Brien-trained horse going into his second year in 2024 which means that all of the Epsom Derby frontrunners are relatively new names to the sport.
He has only raced at Curragh throughout his three career outings to date and emerged as the winner from each. The most recent race in October was the most impressive as he won convincingly by five furlongs.
Now 3/3, @coolmorestud colt HENRY LONGFELLOW wins 7f 2yo G1 National Stakes @curraghrace today for @DarleyEurope Dubawi @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/6tABY75gyp
— Steven Cargill (@Steven_Cargill) September 10, 2023
Ultimately the most likely result at Epsom this year is that a brand-new entry will make his name known to the world with a historic success.
City Of Troy is seen as the most likely winner due to the impressive speed and acceleration he has shown so far, although Ancient Wisdom and Henry Longfellow will be on hand to fight for victory if any issues are encountered.
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