Benvenuto Cellini seeks to give Aidan O'Brien another Derby and confirm all his promise

The winner of the Chester Vase arrives as a top candidate for the big date at Epsom, where the master of Ballydoyle will attempt to conquer the strongest Classic for European colts for the twelfth time

EPSOM DOWNS, England (Special to Turf Diario).– Each edition of the Epsom Derby (G1) has the capacity to define a generation. It is the race that shapes champions, separates the very good from the extraordinary, and transforms promises into legends. This Saturday, a new crop of three-year-olds will attempt to write their names in history, with Benvenuto Cellini emerging as the main candidate to claim the glory.

The son of Frankel, trained by Aidan O'Brien, will head a field of 14 runners in the 2400-meter classic, with the powerful Ballydoyle trainer seeking no less than his twelfth victory in the most prestigious race on the European calendar.

The colt's stock rose considerably following his dominant victory in the Chester Vase (L) at Chester, a prep race that last year also served as the launching pad for Lambourn's (Australia) success at Epsom. That afternoon, Benvenuto Cellini dominated by 4 1/4 lengths, putting on an exhibition that convinced punters and pundits alike that he was ready to face the biggest challenge of his campaign.

With Ryan Moore confirmed in the saddle and breaking from post position 12, he will arrive at the big event as the betting favorite.

However, the opposition promises to be top-tier. The main threat seems to emerge from the Juddmonte silks, represented by the undefeated Item (Frankel), a brilliant winner of the Dante Stakes (G2) trained by Andrew Balding, who is going through one of the best moments of his career after recently celebrating in the Derby Italiano(G2).

Item will break from gate 3 and look to maintain an intact perfect record that has made him one of the most talked-about names of the generation.

As usual, Ballydoyle will not arrive with a single bullet. In addition to Benvenuto Cellini, O'Brien will line up Pierre Bonnard (Camelot), Action (Frankel), and Christmas Day (Camelot), forming a quartet that provides him with multiple tactical options.

Particular interest is drawn by Pierre Bonnard, who for a good part of the winter was considered the leading candidate for the Derby. His reputation took some hits following two defeats in the season's prep races, especially the most recent one against James J Braddock (Zarak) at Leopardstown. However, the market has backed him once again in recent weeks, and the presence of Christophe Soumillon, who already guided him to a G1 victory in France during his juvenile campaign, refuels the dream.

Another contender arriving on the rise is Maltese Cross (Sea the Stars), undefeated in two presentations during 2026 for William Haggas. His victory in the Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes (L) confirmed that he belongs at the highest level, although the draw did not smile on him, assigning him gate 1.

Emerging from the same prep race is Bay of Brilliance (New Bay), who will attempt to overturn that defeat under the training of Ralph Beckett.

On the side of Amo Racing, attention will be focused on Ancient Egypt (Frankel), who seriously reinforced his candidacy after prevailing in the Newmarket Stakes (L). Curiously, he will break from post 10, the spot that has produced the most winners since the implementation of automatic starting gates in the Derby.

The powerful operation will also present the pricey Poker (Wootton Bassett), acquired for 4.3 million pounds, though he will need to show considerable improvement to become a main player.

Among the outsiders are Balzac (Japan), Rebel Rocker (Cityscape), A Taste of Glory (Soldier Hollow), and Alderman (Study of Man), all forced to improve significantly to challenge a group of favorites that appears to arrive very solid.

As happens every year, the Derby promises much more than a simple race. It is a test of stamina, class, temperament, and talent. And at the center of all eyes will be Benvenuto Cellini, attempting to follow in the footsteps of so many Ballydoyle champions and give Aidan O'Brien another golden page in a history that seems to have no end.