The focus this week falls firmly on Epsom, where two of the most important races of the British Flat season take place. Friday's Oaks and Saturday's Derby will answer some of the biggest questions surrounding this year's Classic generation.
Aidan O'Brien heads into the meeting in tremendous form after saddling the first three home in last weekend's French Derby at Chantilly. He looks set to play a major role at Epsom too, with Amelia Earhart currently heading the Oaks market, while Benvenuto Cellini is among the leading contenders for Saturday's Derby. Victory in either race would further strengthen Ballydoyle's grip on the current flat season.
Away from Epsom, the international programme provides plenty of interest. Saturday sees the running of the Belmont Stakes in the United States, the final leg of the American Triple Crown series and one of the country's most prestigious races. Then on Sunday, attention switches to Japan for the Yasuda Kinen, a Group 1 mile contest that regularly attracts some of the best horses in Asia.
There is plenty of supporting action closer to home. Saturday's cards come from Musselburgh, Doncaster, Hexham, Worcester and Punchestown, while Sunday's programme includes meetings at Goodwood, Navan and Perth, alongside further National Hunt action from Punchestown.
The early part of next week has a quieter feel following the excitement of Epsom. Racing takes place at Carlisle, Windsor and Leicester on Monday, while Southwell, Sligo and Brighton host fixtures on Tuesday.
Attention will then begin to turn towards the next major festival on the calendar. Royal Ascot gets under way on Tuesday 16 June and runs through to Saturday 20 June, with many of this week's stars expected to have targets at the Berkshire meeting later this month.
Big races this week
4:00pm Epsom, Friday (ITV)
Betfred Oaks (Group 1)
1m4f, Flat Turf
10:46pm Saratoga, Friday (SKY)
New York Stakes (Grade 1)
1m1½f, Flat Turf
6:52am Eagle Farm, Saturday (SKY)
Queensland Oaks (Group 1)
1m3f, Flat Turf
4:00pm Epsom, Saturday (ITV)
Betfred Derby (Group 1)
1m4f, Flat Turf
12:04am Saratoga, Sunday (SKY)
Belmont Stakes (Grade 1)
1m2f, Dirt
7:40am Tokyo, Sunday (SKY)
Yasuda Kinen (Grade 1)
1m, Flat Turf
*All races above are listed in UK time.
Race Notes
4:00pm Betfred Derby - Epsom
The 2026 Betfred Derby looks one of the strongest renewals in recent years, with a field of 14 set to tackle Epsom's unique mile-and-a-half test on Saturday. Worth £2 million in prize money, the race once again sees Aidan O'Brien holding a powerful hand as he bids for a remarkable fourth straight Derby victory.
The Ballydoyle team is headed by Benvenuto Cellini, who arrives as the market leader after his impressive Chester Vase success. Stablemate Pierre Bonnard remains prominent in the betting despite being narrowly denied by James J Braddock on his latest start, while Action and Christmas Day complete O'Brien's four-pronged challenge.
The chief British hope appears to be Item, whose unbeaten record remained intact with a dominant victory in the Dante Stakes at York. Trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Colin Keane, he has rapidly climbed the betting and looks the most serious threat to the Irish challenge.
Elsewhere, Maltese Cross, James J Braddock, Bay Of Brilliance and Ancient Egypt all bring solid trial form into the race, while the forecast rain could play an important role in shaping the final outcome. The current going is good to soft, and any further showers are likely to place even greater emphasis on stamina.
Recent Derby history suggests the winner is likely to come from the head of the market. Most recent winners arrived with proven Group form, strong trial performances and experience over at least ten furlongs. On those measures, Benvenuto Cellini, Item, Pierre Bonnard and Maltese Cross all fit the profile of a typical Derby winner.
With Betfred offering four places, there could be greater value in identifying a runner capable of making the frame rather than finding the outright winner. The market leaders have achieved enough to justify their positions at the head of the betting and it would be no surprise if Benvenuto Cellini, Item or Pierre Bonnard were to emerge victorious.
For those looking beyond the front three, James J Braddock makes considerable appeal. His recent Derby Trial success was a notable piece of form and there is every reason to believe the move up to a mile and a half will bring out further improvement.
Action is another who may be underestimated. Much of the attention after York focused on Item's Dante victory, but Action emerged from the race with plenty of credit and looks capable of outrunning his odds.
Selection: Benvenuto Cellini (Win), James J Braddock (E/W)
Antepost Watch
The market for Royal Ascot's Gold Cup received a shake-up following Rahiebb's impressive victory in the Boodles Yorkshire Cup Stakes at York.
Rahiebb produced a polished display to land the Group 2 contest on 15 May, a performance that convinced bookmakers he could be a genuine Gold Cup contender next month.
As a result, his odds for Ascot's showpiece staying race on 18 June have been slashed from 14/1 into 4/1, making him one of the biggest movers in the ante-post market.
Racing Syndicates
Pompey Ventures have added an eye‑catching new recruit to their 2026 team: an unraced, unnamed two‑year‑old colt by Starspangledbanner out of Privacy Order, to be trained by dual Guineas‑winning handler George Boughey at Craven House in Newmarket.
He was secured in a private deal for £120,000 and comes with a very smart hook – he is a full brother to the unbeaten Protection Act, who is two from two and already rated 102, with Royal Ascot firmly on the agenda.
Interest in learning more, click here.
Betting Offers
As title sponsor of both the Oaks and Derby, Betfred will once again be at the centre of the action at Epsom this weekend. One of Britain's best-known bookmakers, Betfred offers betting across horse racing, football, tennis, golf and dozens of other sports, while regularly providing special promotions and enhanced offers around major events. For this year's Classics, the firm has introduced a range of exclusive Derby and Oaks betting opportunities for racing fans following the action at Epsom.
18+ Please gamble responsibly. #ad Need help? contact GambleAware.org
Racing News
Here are a few racing updates that caught the eye this week.
Racing Legends - Mr Frisk
The 1990 Grand National renewal is remembered first and foremost for its time: Mr Frisk’s 8:47.8 remains one of the most striking statistical outliers in Grand National history.
The combination of firm ground, an aggressive pace, and a boldly ridden, accurate jumper created a performance that subsequent Nationals on slower or more forgiving surfaces have been unable to match.
Thanks for reading! Let’s catch up again next week.
Regards
The Newsletter Team
Recommend Racing Newsletters
