The Epsom Derby, one of Britain’s most famous Flat races, has a knack for rewriting the script at the last minute.
This year, the tale is being shaped by a colt who, just weeks ago, was barely a blip on the radar.
Now, as the field is whittled down and the betting markets react, Pride of Arras, trained by Ralph Beckett, has seen his odds collapse from 50/1 to 5/1, making him the third favourite behind Delacroix and the surging Ruling Court.
But what’s behind this dramatic shift, and does Pride of Arras truly have the credentials to claim Derby glory?
From Outsider to Contender
Pride of Arras’s journey to Epsom has been nothing short of remarkable. This three-year-old colt, bred and owned by Mr. & Mrs. David Aykroyd, is by New Bay out of Parnell’s Dream, giving him a pedigree that blends stamina with a touch of speed.
He made his debut as a juvenile at Sandown last August, winning impressively by over three lengths.
However, it was his seasonal reappearance in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York on May 15th that turned heads and, crucially, the betting markets.
Sent off at 18/1 in the Dante, traditionally the most significant Derby trial, Pride of Arras, under jockey Rossa Ryan, swept past a high-class field to win by a length and a quarter.
The performance instantly transformed him from an unheralded outsider to a leading Derby fancy, with bookmakers slashing his odds to as low as 4/1 within hours of the race.
Why Have His Odds Fallen So Sharply?
The Dante is often regarded as the strongest British trial for the Derby. Winning it, and doing so convincingly, is a major statement of intent.
The field he beat at York included The Lion In Winter, last year’s leading juvenile and the ante-post Derby favourite, who finished a disappointing sixth.
That result cast doubt on some established contenders and elevated Pride of Arras’s form.
With just two runs and two wins, Pride of Arras remains unexposed, and the promise of more improvement is a potent lure for punters and analysts alike, especially those who managed to get their bets in before the odds tumbled.
Trainer Ralph Beckett has been quietly bullish, noting that the colt “won what’s normally the best trial, did it well and has come out of it well.”
Beckett also believes Pride of Arras has the right temperament and physical attributes to handle Epsom’s unique demands. Will he be proved right on Saturday?
Epsom Derby 2025 Odds
*Correct at time of publishing
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Delacroix | 5/2 |
| Ruling Court | 4/1 |
| Pride of Arras | 5/1 |
| The Lion In Winter | 6/1 |
| Damysus | 12/1 |
| Lambourn | 14/1 |
| Midak | 14/1 |
| Stanhope Gardens | 16/1 |
| Nightwalker | 20/1 |
| Tornado Alert | 40/1 |
| Tennessee Stud | 50/1 |
| New Ground | 50/1 |
| Puppet Master | 66/1 |
| Tuscan Hills | 66/1 |
| Lazy Griff | 80/1 |
| Al Wasl Storm | 100/1 |
| Sea Scout | 150/1 |
| Nightime Dancer | 150/1 |
| Rogue Impact | 200/1 |
| Green Storm | 250/1 |
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The Ralph Beckett Factor
Ralph Beckett’s reputation as a trainer has soared in recent years. Based at Kimpton Down Stables, Beckett has developed a formidable record with both fillies and colts, winning Classics such as the Oaks and St Leger, and last year saddling Bluestocking to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
His operation is now widely regarded as one of the best in Britain, with a focus on quality and a knack for getting the best out of homebreds and lesser-heralded pedigrees.
Beckett’s recent strike rate of 20% in the last fortnight speaks volumes about his stable’s form, and his ability to prepare horses for the big day is not in question.
Notably, he will also saddle Stanhope Gardens in this year’s Derby, a colt who took a less conventional route but is considered well suited to Epsom by his trainer.
However, it is Pride of Arras who carries the stable’s main hopes, with Beckett describing him as having “more speed than Westover” (his 2022 Irish Derby winner) and being “a better workhorse”.
Why Pride of Arras Deserves Respect
There are several compelling reasons to take Pride of Arras seriously as a Derby contender.
His victory in the Dante Stakes stands out as a significant achievement, particularly given the strength of the opposition and the authoritative manner in which he won. This proven Group form is a major feather in his cap.
His pedigree also points to considerable potential, being by New Bay, a French Derby winner, and out of a mare by Oasis Dream, Pride of Arras’s bloodlines suggest he possesses both the stamina to stay the Derby trip and the turn of foot needed for success at Epsom.
Mentally and physically, he has shown maturity beyond his limited experience. Both his trainer, Ralph Beckett, and jockey, Rossa Ryan, have praised his temperament and ability to cope with the unique pressures of the Derby.
With just two career starts, Pride of Arras remains open to significant improvement. Beckett has acknowledged that he was “tough on him” to get him ready for York, implying there is further progress to come as the colt gains experience.
Adding to his credentials, Beckett’s stable is currently in excellent form, and his recent Classic record gives every reason to believe that Pride of Arras will be fully primed for Epsom.
The Competition: Delacroix and the Rest
The Derby market is headed by Delacroix, trained by Aidan O’Brien, who comes into the race off the back of two impressive trial wins at Leopardstown.
O’Brien’s record in the Derby is unparalleled, with ten wins and counting, and Delacroix has followed a tried-and-tested route, echoing the preparation of past Ballydoyle stars like Galileo and High Chaparral.
Delacroix’s form is rock-solid, but there are lingering questions about whether he will truly relish the full Derby distance, as his best performances have come over ten furlongs.
Ruling Court, meanwhile, has surged in the betting after his 2000 Guineas victory and is now just ahead of Pride of Arras in the market. However, like Delacroix, there are doubts about his stamina for the mile and a half at Epsom.
What Could Stop Him?
While Pride of Arras’s profile is compelling, there are still unknowns. He has only raced twice, and Epsom’s undulating track can catch out even the most talented horses.
His lack of experience compared to some rivals is a risk, and while the Dante is a strong trial, the Derby is a different test altogether.
Yet, the very fact that he has achieved so much in so little time is what makes him so intriguing. The market’s reaction is not just hype; it’s a reflection of genuine belief that Pride of Arras could be the real deal.
A Story Still Unfolding
The Epsom Derby has a habit of revealing new stars, and Pride of Arras fits the bill.
His rapid ascent from outsider to third favourite is grounded in substance: a dominant Dante win, a top-class trainer in Ralph Beckett, and the promise of further improvement.
While Delacroix and Ruling Court have their supporters, Pride of Arras brings a blend of potential and proven ability that makes him a fascinating contender.
As Derby day approaches, the question is no longer whether Pride of Arras belongs; it’s whether he can take that final, dramatic step into the winner’s enclosure.
On the evidence so far, few would bet against him making the leap.
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