Ancient Egypt Can Outrun His Odds in the 2026 Epsom Derby Ancient Egypt will take his place in the 2026 Epsom Derby, and it looks like he has progressed again following clips of his workout from Epsom Downs during the week. He was an expensive yearling, going for 1.1 million guineas, and he is a stunning looking son of Frankel. When you're buying horses in these sales, you are looking for a physical specimen that ideally will be turning up at days such as the Derby or other big Group 1 races over a mile and a half, and I suppose he's an absolute picture of this. The Epsom Derby has always been the race that owners, trainers, and breeders dream of winning. Ever since the first running in 1780, it has been a contest that captures the imagination unlike any other. Throughout its history, we have seen owners spend vast sums of money at yearling sales in the hope of finding a future Derby winner. Some of the biggest operations in the sport have invested millions simply to give themselves a chance of lining up in the race, knowing that victory at Epsom can cement a horse's place in racing history. From legendary owners and trainers to the modern superpowers of the sport, the Derby remains the ultimate test of a three-year-old colt's class, stamina, and temperament. Ancient Egypt fits the profile of the type of horse connections hope will justify that sort of investment. He made a good start to his career in a seven-furlong maiden at Beverley, where he was a convincing winner, and he then went on to Goodwood where he was once again impressive when winning another novice stakes under a penalty. This was the first time where we had really seen his stamina kicking in and that appears to be his forte. He was slightly outclassed then in the Royal Lodge Stakes, but it would be fair to say that a mile at Newmarket, with such undulations and against proper one-mile horses such as 2000 Guineas winner Bow Echo and Humidity, it was always going to be tough for him to land a blow. He made his reappearance this season in the Listed Newmarket Stakes on the 1st of May, and again, this is where we see a horse for whom there will be no stamina doubts when it comes to the Derby, as he set a solid pace and was always finding under Rossa Ryan. Another reason that this horse interests me in an Epsom Derby is because the trainer had the second in the Derby last year in Lazy Griff, so he knows the type of horse that is needed going into the race. And if anyone remembers when Auguste Rodin was an impressive winner of the Derby, it was King of Steel who almost sprang a major surprise, finishing second behind him at odds of 66/1. That performance was a reminder that Epsom can often produce dramatic results and that horses with the right blend of stamina, courage, and balance can outrun market expectations. Amo Racing, who have been no slouches in their spending power, would love to have their day with destiny and win one of the biggest and most famous Classics there is to win. I just feel that at a general price of 16/1, the odds are quite kind for a horse who has shown so far through his starts that stamina won't be an issue, and he also has that class as well, being a son of Frankel. I've been lucky enough to see Ancient Egypt in the flesh on one occasion, and he is an absolutely spectacular horse. He's strong and commanding, and it looks like he also has a great mind as well. He doesn't mind being ruffled around in a race, and he doesn't mind having to set his own fractions either. In the Derby, you definitely need a willing partner. Epsom's unique undulations, the famous descent to Tattenham Corner, and the long climb to the winning post can expose any weakness in a horse. Only the toughest and most talented performers tend to prevail. For me, Ancient Egypt is an outsider who can definitely make his way into the frame in the Epsom Derby for the Johnston and Amo Racing team, and if he continues on his current trajectory, he may even have the credentials to cause a surprise in one of racing's greatest spectacles.
