THE Epsom Derby is famed for turning top class colts into mega money-making stallions.
But it can pocket us a few quid too.
Here, Sun Racing's top tipster goes through every single of the 14 Derby runners and rates them out of five stars.
He delivers his all-important pick and 1-2-3 prediction at the bottom.
Don't forget to get your Epsom Derby free bet offers to back a horse before the race goes off at 1.30pm on Saturday.
Epsom Derby runner-by-runner guide
ADELAIDE RIVER 1
SHALLOW River. Shaped well as a juvenile but was well beaten by Arrest in the Chester Vase on comeback last time.
Bred to relish this trip and is better than that Roodee effort but looks short of this standard.
ARREST 3
REST easy. Went close in a Group 1 as a two-year-old and returned with an impressive Chester Vase win last month.
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That was on heavy ground but, as a son of Frankel, he should be fine with these quicker conditions.
He’s a proven stayer who looks open to improvement and can go close in Frankie’s final Derby.
ARTISTIC STAR 2
STAR potential. Looked a nice prospect when winning a Sandown novice contest over 1m2f on comeback 18 days ago. He’s a son of Galileo so will have no problem staying.
This is obviously tougher but he’ll improve and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him close to the places.
AUGUSTE RODIN 3
RODIN’S a thinker. He was class over a mile last season, finishing the campaign with a Group 1 Futurity Trophy success at Doncaster. That saw him sent off the hot favourite in the 2,000 Guineas last time only for him to run an absolute stinker.
He got bumped about early on, which may explain it, but this is likely to be a rough race too. There’s no doubt that he’s crying out for this sort of trip but it’s a real leap of faith to trust him after Newmarket.
DEAR MY FRIEND 2
OH Dear. Won a Listed contest last year but was well held in the Dante at York behind The Foxes last time.
Tall order to turn that form around and he’s playing for a place at the very best.
DUBAI MILE 3
EXTRA Mile. Grade 1 winner over 1m2f last season who ran an encouraging race when fifth in the 2,000 Guineas on comeback.
He finished strongly and this trip is always going to suit him much better.
He has won on all ground and is usually up front so should keep out of the scrum. Could hold on for a place if he can go the early pace.
KING OF STEEL 2
QUIRKY King. Maiden winner who was well beaten by Auguste Rodin in the Futurity Stakes when last seen in October.
He had to be withdrawn from his intended comeback in the Dante at York so he may not handle the atmosphere again here.
MILITARY ORDER 4
MIL no grinder. Won the Lingfield Derby Trial nicely on the all-weather but has a couple of turf wins too.
His full brother Adayar won this in 2021 and he looks a similar type who stays.
He is certain to improve and trainer Charlie Appleby has a superb record at the highest level. Major player.
PASSENGER 3
VIP Pass. It cost £85,000 to supplement him after his unlucky third in York’s Dante where he was hampered a couple of times.
He finished with a full tank and enjoyed the quicker ground. He is not 100 per cent bred to stay, which has to be a concern, but Sir Michael Stoute won this last year and knows what it takes.
SAN ANTONIO 1
ANT decked. Big improver when winning the Dee Stakes at Chester last time. Saw out 1m2f well and should get this longer trip.
Needs plenty of improvement and looks the Ballydoyle third string on jockey bookings.
SPREWELL 5
ALL’S Well. He showed a sharp turn of pace when winning the Leopardstown Derby Trial and his running style suggests he’ll have no problem with Epsom’s famous camber.
He should improve for this step up in distance and his high-class trainer Jessica Harrington doesn’t tilt at windmills.
He looks the pick of the Irish challenge and can go close at a fair price.
THE FOXES 3
FOX in the box. Improved to win the Dante at York last time when seeing out the trip well and he should stay this far no problem.
Has lots of talent but the worry is he was hanging to the right at York and may not handle Epsom’s roller-coaster. He has every chance if he does.
WAIPIRO 2
WAI to go. Was a solid second in the Lingfield Derby Trial on just his third run and kept pace with Military Order for a long way.
He saw out the 1m4f well and deserves to run here as one of the better outsiders.
WHITE BIRCH 2
WHITE hope. Stayed on strongly when second in the Dante at York where he handled the quicker ground well.
He is bred to improve for this longer distance but he has drawn the unlucky stall two which has never won since stalls were introduced in 1967.
Templegate's Epsom Derby tip
SPREWELL looks perfect for the Betfred Derby (1.30 Epsom, nap).
He was impressive when taking the Leopardstown Derby Trial and looks tailormade for Epsom.
Military Order’s brother Adayar won this two years ago and he has every chance of following in his hoofprints.
Arrest is another to keep a close eye on as Frankie bids for a farewell Derby win.
My 1-2-3 prediction is…
1st Sprewell
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2nd Military Order
3rd Arrest
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