The Blue Riband Trial at Epsom is one of the leading trials for the Derby, as success at the Surrey-based course often leads to the winner returning there in early June for the British Classic. That is likely to be the case for Sea Scout, the latest victor of the Listed contest.
Simon and Ed Crisford’s runner caused an upset at odds-on of 40/1, beating the fancied favourite, Devil’s Advocate. He did need to survive a stewards’ inquiry following the race, due to an interference, but the stewards ruled that it was not an illegal move by the winner.
Well-Bred Colt Bidding to Emulate His Father
Following that narrow-margin victory in the Blue Riband Trial, Sea Scout is now 33/1 in the horse racing odds for the Derby. The last horse to win the trial and British Classic double was Blue Peter in 1939.
“He handled the track superbly well”
Sea Scout booked his ticket for a return to Epsom after landing the Blue Riband for @gainsboroughHQ…
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 22, 2025
As a son of 2009 Derby winner Sea The Stars, Sea Scout is likely to be one of the leading horse racing betting tips for this year’s prestigious race at Epsom. He stayed on strongly in the closing stages of the 1m2f contest in the Blue Riband Trial, so he is likely to appreciate the step-up in distance.
Sea Scout has an entry in the Dante Stakes at York, which may prove to be his final run before the Derby. His trainers are bidding for a maiden victory in the Derby, and success in early June would prove to be their biggest triumph since they acquired a licence together.
Aidan O’Brien Has Many of The Aces in The Pack
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has won the Derby a record 10 times, so he knows how to prepare a horse for the British Classic. City Of Troy was his latest winner in 2024 when he bounced back from a disappointing performance in the 2000 Guineas.
As is often the case, O’Brien has several of the runners at the top end of the betting for this year’s Derby. His leading hope could be The Lion In Winter, a horse who has raced just twice so far in his career.
He’s exciting!
Sea The Stars colt The Lion In Winter remains unbeaten in the £165,000 @Tattersalls1766 Acomb Stakes for Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/4H3kmftV8k
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 21, 2024
The Lion In Winter won the Group Three Acomb Stakes on his latest appearance. The vibes out of the Ballydoyle camp are that he is their leading Derby hope this year, especially given he does not have a 2,000 Guineas entry.
O’Brien could also saddle Twain, Expanded and Delacroix, three horses who all showed a lot of promise as two-year-olds.
Godolphin Represented by Ruling Court
As one of the leading owners in world horse racing, the Derby is an important race to the Godolphin operation. They won the British Classic for a second time in 2021 when Adayar was triumphant in the royal blue silks.
Godolphin’s leading hope of a hat-trick of Derby wins this year is Ruling Court. He was victorious in the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas at Meydan’s Dubai World Cup Carnival earlier this year. The son of US Triple Crown winner Justify prevailed at Sandown on his debut in 2024.
𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓 lays down the law in the @emirates Holidays Jumeirah 2000 Guineas 🔵🔵🔵@godolphin‘s Justify colt, under an armchair @WilliamBuickX ride, is going places in a bit of a hurry ↗️↗️↗️#SuperSaturday | #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/PQJHjC6UUl
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 1, 2025
This year’s Derby will be 246th running in history and the race is scheduled for the 7th of June.
