Benvenuto Ceillini leads magnificent seven for O'Brien in Derby With a one-two-three in the French equivalent already secured, Aidan O’Brien is taking nothing granted in his search for more Classic honours, as Benvenuto Cellini heads a seven-strong team among 17 left in the Betfred Derby on Saturday. It was Dee Stakes winner Constitution River that led home the O’Brien contingent at Chantilly and his fellow Chester scorer Benvenuto Cellini is joined by Pierre Bonnard, Action, Causeway, Endorsement, Christmas Day and Proposition at the five-day stage. Although holding an exceptional hand once again in a race he has won a record 11 times and the last three years with Auguste Rodin (2023), City Of Troy (2024) and Lambourn (2025) respectively, the master of Ballydoyle is well aware victory in racing’s most famous contest is far from a formality. O’Brien said: “We’re happy with the horses so far but these races are so competitive and so hard to win. “First of all you are hoping you get there and then just hope they run good races. So we’re happy with the horses for Epsom and we’re thinking of running the horses that finished second and third in the Dante (Action and Christmas Day) along with the Chester Vase winner (Benvenuto Cellini) and Pierre Bonnard. “We’re delighted with what happened at Chantilly and hopefully they run well again next weekend. But we never take it for granted and always hope and then see what is going to happen. We try to get them there as good as we can and hopefully they will get there and run good races.” He went on: “When it happens it’s incredible and everything is brilliant and unbelievable, but believe me it is very difficult to even try to make it happen and all we can do is try to do our best and then hope for the best.” Andrew Balding’s Item could prove the biggest danger to the Ballydoyle contingent according to the bookmakers, with the Juddmonte-owned colt heading to the Surrey Downs unbeaten after his winning return in the Dante. William Haggas’ Maltese Cross is another to notch a recognised Derby trial when getting the better of Ralph Beckett’s reopposing Bay Of Brilliance at Lingfield and would be a fitting winner for the master of Somerville Lodge on the 30th anniversary of his Epsom triumph with Shaamit. Newmarket Stakes Ancient Egypt will bid to upgrade Charlie Johnston’s second with Lazy Griff last year, while also giving Amo Racing a first win in the race they have previously gone close in with Mojo Star and King Of Steel. Karl Burke’s Poker is another Amo possible. Joining his father’s team on a raiding mission from Ireland will be Joseph O’Brien’s James J Braddock who landed a knockout blow over Pierre Bonnard in a key Leopardstown trial and will be among the many tackling a mile and a half for the first time. Alderman, A Taste Of Glory, Balzac and Rebel Rocker complete the list.
