Item, an unbeaten three-start colt trained by Balding, won the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York in May and is considered a strong candidate for the 2026 Epsom Derby. His trainer says he is capable of handling the tougher test of the English Classic [1, 2].
Close behind Item in recent form is Action, who has just one win in a maiden race but finished narrowly second to Item at York in a Group 2 event and was runner-up in a Group 1 at Doncaster last October [1, 2].
Ancient Egypt, an expensive colt bred for excellence, has won three of his four starts, including a strong performance in Listed company at Newmarket in May. He remains a noted contender [1, 2].
James J Braddock took the Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown in May, showing a strong finishing kick despite being outpaced at one stage of the race [1, 2].
Christmas Day, a two-time Group 3 winner on slow ground, finished third behind Item in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York, suggesting he could place but is unlikely to win [1, 2].
Benvenuto Cellini has made steady progress this season by winning a Group 3 race at Chester and is praised for his ability on slow ground by his trainer [1, 2].
Other contenders include Bay Of Brilliance, who narrowly lost the Lingfield Derby Trial but is not considered an obvious winner; Balzac, who performed well on Epsom’s gradients but is seen as outclassed; and A Taste Of Glory, a two-time winner lacking the class for Derby level [1, 2].
Long shot Alderman remains winless and has only competed in maiden races, with supporters hoping for a surprise placing in the Derby [1, 2].
The detailed form analysis for the Epsom Derby was published on June 6, providing further context to the contenders’ prospects [1, 2]. The 2026 Epsom Derby will test these horses on one of Britain’s premier racing stages in the coming weeks.