The Derby – the most renowned race in racing – is a breeding ground for world class horses, but in terms of odds-on winners, you won’t find many.
In the last 50-years, there have only been three odds-on winners on Epson Downs.
Going back to 1968 Sir Ivor came in at 4/5, before the most famous of them all Shergar took the crown in 1981.
In recent times only one horse has taken the honours at an odds-on price and that is the brilliant Camelot in 2012.
Now there is another odds-on favourite in the shape of Saxon Warrior – the outstanding Aidan O’Brien colt, who is looking to add the Derby to his 2,000 Guineas triumph.
“We will find out just how good Saxon Warrior is this weekend, his odds have drifted after a perceived poor draw with stall one – but in most places he is still odds-on,” explained OddsMonkey spokesman Peter Watton.
“Saxon Warrior was brilliant in the 2,000 Guineas, and he looks the class act of this field with Young Rascal, Roaring Lion and Hazapour all vying for second favourtism at around 8/1, and that seemingly tells us everything we need to know.
“Aidan O’Brien has won just about everything in his career, but you have to remember the Triple Crown is very much something he wants, and nobody has done that since Nijinsky, so he will be aiming Saxon Warrior at the St Ledger after this if he wins, and he is already 2/1 for the Doncaster classic, so if you like him for the Triple – get on it before Saturday.”
Selected Derby odds:
10/11 Saxon Warrior
8/1 Young Rascal
8/1 Roaring Lion
8/1 Hazapour
12/1 Delano Roosevelt
16/1 Dee Ex Bee
16/1 Knight to Behold
20/1 Masar
25/1 The Pentagon
25/1 Sevenna Star
33/1 Kew Gardens
66/1 Zabriskie
