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These 2021 Epsom Derby betting tips were really shaken up by Aidan O'Brien taking out all but one runner. That means there is a short price favourite for the premier Classic on Epsom Downs over a mile-and-a-half this Saturday (16:30). Where does the value in the market lie, though? Our experts have their say below...
Powerful global owners Godolphin run three in The Derby. Of those, Hurricane Lane looks worth a wager for the spoils. The same connections took this Classic back in 2018 with Masar. In Hurricane Lane, trainer Charlie Appleby has an unbeaten Frankel colt with stamina assured on the dam side of his pedigree.
After winning his sole start as a juvenile at Newmarket, he followed-up in a conditions contest at Newbury on reappearance. There was then no hesitation in stepping Hurricane Lane up in class for the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York, where he found plenty for pressure and stayed on strongly for a three-quarters of a length victory.
As those nearest to him in-behind at the finish don't re-oppose, he doesn't have to worry about them. Gear Up, the fifth home, weakened dramatically, so Hurricane Lane should confirm form with that one. Of Godolphin's trio which also includes Adayar and One Ruler, who was sixth in the 2000 Guineas, he looks best suited by the distance.
Connections' number one retained rider William Buick prefers Hurricane Lane over the others. Taking all that into account, he looks a solid each-way bet among our Epsom Derby betting tips at 9/1 with Betfred now stepped up in trip.
After winning two Derby trials in Ireland, Bolshoi Ballet is the market leader with good reason and a big danger. The fact that Ballydoyle maestro O'Brien only sends him alone from six entered at the penultimate declaration stages speaks volumes.
However, a case can be made against Bolshoi Ballet. All his form is around Leopardstown and he is zero from two away from track and overseas. Despite having leading form claims based on victories in the Ballysax Stakes and Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, the 5/4 with Betfair doesn't look great value.
Other dangers include William Haggas' Shadwell Estates runner Mohaafeth who took the Newmarket Stakes at a canter. There should be more to come from him now going up in distance. Frankie Dettori takes the ride on John Leeper, another Listed winner from headquarters, but this keen going sort needs to settle better if he's to handle the occasion and Epsom Downs.
Lingfield Derby Trial scorer Third Realm for the Roger Varian team and owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid cannot be discounted either. There are question marks about sound surfaces for Irish 2000 Guineas hero Mac Swiney, meanwhile, and the absence of rain will hurt his chances.
Of those at bigger odds, our 2021 Epsom Derby betting tips say Southern Lights shaped better than the bare result suggested when last in action. This inmate of the Joseph O'Brien stable had no luck in-running whatsoever in the Derrinstown when snatched up and denied a clear run at a key stage.
Southern Lights looked to be mounting a challenge down the rail, but there was simply no way through. He couldn't get to Bolshoi Ballet and that situation was accepted. Granted better luck on Epsom Downs, he could go a lot better than the 22/1 on offer with BetVictor, who pay four places, suggests in The Derby. He is another each-way play to consider.
It is 40/1 and bigger the remainder. Chester Vase winner Youth Spirit is the the only colt that we know gets the trip, but that Group 3 contest did rather fall apart. That is reflected in the odds on offer with bookmakers about Andrew Balding's runner.
Godolphin third string Adayar needs to step up on two seconds this season. Gear Up for the Johnston team has that Dante form to turnaround with Hurricane Lane. Mojo Star comes to The Derby as a maiden, so this is a huge ask. This is an open renewal, blown apart by the Ballydoyle absentees.
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