Epsom Derby and Oaks Betting Guide 2023: Odds, Tips & Predictions
The 2023 Epsom Derby takes place on Saturday, June 3rd. This iconic race is part of the two-day Epsom Derby Festival, which will host 15 prestigious races including the similarly popular Oaks Stakes. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Epsom Derby and Oaks horse racing betting and will be able to read my predictions for the winners of these two races!
18+ | New customers only. Min stake €/£10 | 30 days to qualify | Payment method restrictions exist | Play Responsibly | Terms and Conditions apply. http://www.begambleaware.org
18+ New players only. Qualifying bet(s) must have minimum odds of 3/1 and must be settled before triggering free bet. Free Bet must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. 18+. begambleaware.org. T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org
18+ | New players only | Min. deposit 20EUR | The wagering must be met within 30 days | Additional wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly | www.begambleaware.org
💯 Epsom Derby 2023 Betting Odds
I’ll start by looking at the ante-post Epsom Derby betting odds for 2023, with Military Order and Auguste Rodin the early frontrunners in the eyes of most sportsbooks, despite the latter losing by a whopping 22 lengths to Chaldean in the 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket last time out.
| Runner | .png) | .png) | .png) | .png) | .png) | .png) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Military Order | 4.00 | TBC | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Auguste Rodin | 5.00 | TBC | 5.00 | 4.50 | 5.00 | 5.00 |
| Passenger | 7.00 | TBC | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.50 | 6.50 |
| Arrest | 6.00 | TBC | 7.00 | 7.50 | 7.50 | 7.00 |
| The Foxes | 10.00 | TBC | 10.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 |
| Sprewell | 10.00 | TBC | 10.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 |
| White Birch | 13.00 | TBC | 13.00 | 15.00 | 11.00 | 13.00 |
| Dubai Mile | 15.00 | TBC | 15.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 13.00 |
| Waipiro | 17.00 | TBC | 17.00 | 21.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 |
| Alder | 34.00 | TBC | 26.00 | 26.00 | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| San Antonio | 26.00 | TBC | 34.00 | 26.00 | 26.00 | 26.00 |
| Gooloogong | 34.00 | TBC | 26.00 | 41.00 | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Espionage | 26.00 | TBC | 34.00 | 41.00 | 26.00 | 26.00 |
| Paddington | 34.00 | TBC | 51.00 | 41.00 | 41.00 | 34.00 |
| Artistic Star | 26.00 | TBC | 34.00 | 51.00 | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Adelaide River | 67.00 | TBC | 67.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 |
| Greenland | 67.00 | TBC | 67.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 |
| Modesty | 67.00 | TBC | 101.00 | 101.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 |
| King of Steel | 67.00 | TBC | 101.00 | 101.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 |
| Covent Garden | 67.00 | TBC | 126.00 | 101.00 | 67.00 | 67.00 |
| Squire Daughte | 101.00 | TBC | 201.00 | 201.00 | 151.00 | 101.00 |
🔮 Prediction for Epsom Derby 2023
A quick glance at the latest Epsom Derby betting odds confirms that Military Order is the narrow ante post favourite ahead of Auguste Rodin, and there’s good reason for this too. After all, the Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old has won on three of his four career starts, including a superb run that saw him blow away the field at the Lingfield Derby Trial on May 13th.
His previous outing also saw him prevail in the Class 2 Darley Novice Stakes at Newbury, as he powered clear over two furlongs out before romping home at a canter.
Interestingly, he has also recorded his three flat race wins over variable distances, including one mile, one mile two furlongs and one mile four furlongs. The Epsom Derby is contested over one mile and four furlongs (and 10 yards), so Military Order is well-placed to stay the distance despite his relative inexperience.
Of course, only two horses since 1998 have done the coveted double at Lingfield and Epsom, so history is slightly against Military Order. However, fellow three-year-old and second favourite Auguste Rodin had a disastrous run when placing 12th at the 2000 Guineas Stakes on May 6th, and despite his own impressive career record, my Epsom Derby betting prediction is that Military Order will have too much for his rivals and win the day.
My Prediction – Military Order to Win!
| Epsom Oaks 2023While the Epsom Derby is open to both colts and fillies, the similarly prestigious Oaks Stakes is restricted to three-year-old fillies only. The 2023 iteration of this Group 1 race will take place on Friday, June 2nd, so here’s my expert betting preview and Epsom Oaks Prediction! | |
| Epsom Derby 2023The 2023 iteration of the Epsom Derby will take place on Saturday, June 3rd. This will be the 244th installation of this iconic race, but who are the key contenders and what’s my Epsom Derby winner prediction for 2023? |
📊 Top Epsom Oaks 2023 Betting Odds
The Epsom Oaks Stakes is a similarly prestigious event, and the second oldest of the UK’s five ‘classic’ races (after the St. Ledger). Because of this, Epsom Oaks betting is incredibly popular among punters, and while the race is often keenly contested, the 2023 iteration has a clear ante post favourite in the form of Savethelastdance. Here’s a look at the latest Epsom Oaks odds.
| Runner | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savethelastdance | 2.38 | TBC | 2.38 | 2.38 | 2.38 | 2.38 |
| Soul Sister | 4.00 | TBC | 3.50 | 3.25 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Running Lion | 7.50 | TBC | 8.00 | 6.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Infinite Cosmos | 13.00 | TBC | 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 |
| Warm Hart | 13.00 | TBC | 13.00 | 15.00 | 13.00 | 13.00 |
| Never Ending Story | 13.00 | TBC | 13.00 | 11.00 | 11.00 | 13.00 |
| Bluestocking | 15.00 | TBC | 13.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 15.00 |
| Heartache Tonight | 34.00 | TBC | 51.00 | 51.00 | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Caernarfon | 34.00 | TBC | 17.00 | 21.00 | 17.00 | 17.00 |
| Dance in the Grass | 41.00 | TBC | 34.00 | 41.00 | 51.00 | 41.00 |
| Be Happy | 41.00 | TBC | 51.00 | 51.00 | 41.00 | 41.00 |
| Jackie Oh | 34.00 | TBC | 34.00 | 34.00 | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Boogie Woogie | 51.00 | TBC | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 | 41.00 |
| Maman Joon | 51.00 | TBC | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Sea of Roses | 51.00 | TBC | 67.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Meditate | 51.00 | TBC | 67.00 | 67.00 | 41.00 | 51.00 |
| Unless | .00 | TBC | 67.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Bright Diamond | 51.00 | TBC | 67.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 | 51.00 |
| Red Riding Hood | 67.00 | TBC | 67.00 | 67.00 | 51.00 | 67.00 |
| Cloudbreaker | 101.00 | TBC | 101.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 |
| Polly Pot | 101.00 | TBC | 101.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 |
| Ashtanga | 101.00 | TBC | 101.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 |
| Empress Wu | 101.00 | TBC | 101.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 |
| Rich | 101.00 | TBC | 201.00 | 201.00 | 101.00 | 101.00 |
🔮 Prediction for Epsom Oaks 2023
Aidan O’Brien remains the dominant trainer in this particular classic race, winning seven of the last 11 iterations including 2022. This is just one of the reasons why the three-year-old filly Savethelastdance has emerged as the ante post favourite for the Epsom Oaks 2023, although there’s a sense that his price may be a little too short at 2.38.
After all, while Savethelastdance managed to win his last two outings at Chester and Leopardstown respectively, the former victory on May 10th was achieved against the backdrop of a weakened field. At the same, he struggled on debut in the Irish Stallion Farms Maiden at Thurles in October 2022, starting slowly before falling away two furlongs out and eventually finishing fifth.
So, you may find better value in backing ‘Running Lion’, either as an outright or each-way bet. Running Lion is currently priced at 8.00 and has won on four of his five career starts to date, including a well-timed 4 ½ length triumph in the Class 1 Howden Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket last time out.
This runner is also trained by John Gosden, who remains the only trainer to have interrupted Aidan O’Brien’s recent dominance at the Epsom Oaks. So, I’d be tempted to back Running Lion to win with a nominal stake, before his price starts to drift as the race draws closer.
If you’re in the market for an outside bet, look no further than Jack Channon’s 35.00-shot Caernarfon. He was outstanding when winning the British Stallion Studs EBF Montrose Fillies' Stake at Newmarket last October, while his recent fourth place finish at the Grade 1 1000 Guineas Stakes, competing for first throughout and only dropping back slightly in the final 110 yards.
My Prediction – Running Lion to Win
| Epsom Oaks 2023While the Epsom Derby is open to both colts and fillies, the similarly prestigious Oaks Stakes is restricted to three-year-old fillies only. The 2023 iteration of this Group 1 race will take place on Friday, June 2nd, so here’s my expert betting preview and Epsom Oaks Prediction! | |
| Epsom Derby 2023The 2023 iteration of the Epsom Derby will take place on Saturday, June 3rd. This will be the 244th installation of this iconic race, but who are the key contenders and what’s my Epsom Derby winner prediction for 2023? |
⚡ Top Epsom Derby and Oaks Betting Sites
No Derby or Epsom Oaks betting guide would be complete without a look at the best betting sites. So, here’s a brief insight into the best Best Epsom Oaks bookies and Derby sportsbooks and what sets them apart.
1️⃣ BoyleSports
BoyleSports is arguably the best and most popular sportsbook in Ireland (at least according to Betinireland’s bookmaker reviews), and it’s certainly to be recommended when engaging in Epsom Derby betting. To this end, the site regularly runs best and guaranteed odds promotions, ensuring that you’re able to access the best ante post prices through the site.
BoyleSports is also known to offer extra places at 1/5 odds on selected high-profile races, including the Epsom Oaks and Derby. Because of the size of the fields in play here, this means that BoyleSports may pay out for up to seven places in relation to both races.
The site also offers extensive live streaming of races such as the Epsom Oaks and Derby, while this is combined with a diverse range of in-play wagers. As a new customer, an initial qualifying wager of €10 on odds of 2.00 or greater can unlock up to €50 in bonus funds (including €10 in casino funds), which is generous by anyone’s standards!
2️⃣ Betway
Betway is another major Irish and European betting brand, and one that counts horse racing betting as one of its key sportsbook verticals. As a result, you can regularly access daily ‘Best Odds Guaranteed’ promotions, which usually start from 9am on the day of races such as the Epsom Derby.
Like BoyleSports, Betway also offers extensive live streaming, alongside an array of generous welcome offers for new customers.
These include a 100% first deposit match up to the value of €30, which is available to new customers who place a qualifying deposit and wager at least €10. You can also receive up to €50 in free bets with Betway when your first sports wager loses, so long as you stake a minimum of €10 at odds of 1.50 or greater.
3️⃣ Luckster
While Luckster may have started out life as an online casino, it has since emerged as a highly competitive bookmaker that offers coverage of some 34 sports categories (compared to an industry average of 25).
Luckster also currently offers a generous ‘Acca Booster’ promotion, which boosts any accumulator bet payout by as much as 77%. There’s also a tiered ‘Loyalty Rewards Program’ available to existing customers and frequent bettors, which may help to unlock some free bets and lucrative Epsom Derby betting offers.
As for the welcome offer, Luckster is rewarding new customers with a €10 free bet when they place a qualifying wager of wager of €10. The qualifying bet must also be placed on outcomes with minimum odds of 2.00.
4️⃣ William Hill
William Hill is undoubtedly one of the best-known betting brands in the world, while it retains a strong on and offline presence in the Irish marketplace.
It’s certainly recommended for Epsom Derby betting, with William Hill offering a ‘Best Odds Guaranteed’ promotion on every single UK race. This is available daily from 10am, while the site compares starting prices across a broad range of rival sportsbooks. Then there’s the popular ‘#YourOdds’ feature, through which you can tweet @WilliamHill directly and request prices for your own unique bets.
As for the current William Hill welcome offer, simply place a qualifying wager of €10 at odds of 1.50 and you’ll earn €30 in free bets. Free bets expire after 30 days, and if you want to follow the action through William Hill, you can live stream it or even listen to the site’s radio station!
5️⃣ Ladbrokes
Like BoyleSports and William Hill, Ladbrokes is one of the most loved and trusted bookies in Ireland, and one that’s particularly renowned for promoting a broad range of bonuses.
For example, Ladbrokes currently runs a market leading four daily odds boost promotions, three of which can be used on horse racing and for the purpose of Epsom Derby betting. The site also offers extra places and the best odds guaranteed on selected races, while its ‘#GetAPrice’ feature enables you to structure and price your own bespoke wagers.
The site’s current welcome offer rewards you with €20 in free bets when you place a qualifying wager of €5 or more. This bonus comprises four separate free bets worth €5 each, while the qualifying wager must be staked at odds of 1.50 or higher.
6️⃣ Unibet
If your main criteria when comparing remote sportsbooks is the welcome offer, then I’d definitely recommend that you check out the Unibet site.
Here, if you bet at least €10 as a new customer at minimum odds of 1.40, you’ll receive your stake back in the form of a free bet. The qualifying wager allows you to stake as much as €40 in total and receive a free bet of the same value, which can subsequently be deployed on an Epsom Derby betting market of your choice.
This welcome offer also rewards you with a €10 casino bonus, so it’s rewarding on multiple fronts and relatively easy to access. Unibet is also renowned for offering competitive odds across all sports betting markets, and the Epsom Derby and Oaks aren’t exceptions to this rule.
🏆 Epsom Derby and Oaks Betting Tips
I’ve already offered my Derby and Epsom Oaks predictions, but you may have your own ideas about who will win these prestigious races. Regardless, here are some Epsom Oaks and Derby betting tips to help you navigate your chosen markets.
✅ Look at the Historical Performance of Trainers
I’ve already touched on Aidan O’Brien’s dominance at Epsom, with his runners having won seven Oaks and six Derbies in the last 11 years dating back to 2012. So, it’s well worth giving extra weight to his runners (such as Savethelastdance), who tend to thrive in the typical going and conditions that are in play at Epsom. In the Oaks, John Gosden is the only other trainer to win during this period, which is one of the reasons why runners like Running Lion offer such exceptional value at an ante post price of 8.00.
✅ Choose Your Sportsbook Based on Your Preferred Betting Activity
As you can see from my review of the best Epsom betting sites, each offers a unique and diverse range of promotions. So, you can strategically select your preferred sportsbook based on your chosen bet types, while also factoring in the size of your starting bankroll. For example, if you want to build an Epsom accumulator bet that encompasses several of the two-day festival’s 15 races, I’d recommend wagering with Luckster and leveraging their 77% Acca Booster bonus!
✅ Analyse Runners’ Form Over the Distance
It’s well-known that form is a crucial metric when predicting horse race outcomes, but some datasets are more important than others at Epsom. For example, the challenging one-mile, four-furlong track is not especially ideal for rapid thoroughbreds, especially when you consider its sharp turns and natural gradient. This is why you should favour well-balanced runners who have experience of doing well over the exact distance, including 2023 Derby horses like Military Order.
⭐ Epsom Derby and Oaks Betting Markets
When engaging in Epsom Derby betting, you can access a huge array of markets and wager types. So, here’s a breakdown of the three most popular bets and what makes them so appealing to punters.
📌 Outright Betting
I’ll start with the simplest horse racing betting market, with outright wagering requiring you to back the winner of a particular race. This is the quintessential even money bet, as your selected runner will either win and earn you a payout or place lower than first and see the bookmaker claim your stake. While this can be a difficult market to crack given the relative unpredictability of the Derby and the Oaks, you can achieve optimal value by leveraging generous ante post prices and minimising your stake amounts.
📌Each-Way Betting
Each-way betting is particularly popular at Epsom, as it enables you to cover more than one outcome in a single wager and naturally minimise your risk. With each-way betting, you’ll split your starting stake between two potential outcomes, with half backing a runner to win and the remainder wagering on them to place. Placed finishes will deliver proportional payouts that allow you to recoup at least some of your stake, while I’d recommend betting with sportsbooks that run additional place promotions ahead of the Derby.
📌Reverse Forecast Betting
With reverse forecast betting, you’ll be required to correctly predict the first two horses in a particular race. Unlike traditional forecast betting though, you won’t have to predict the order that the two runners finish in, affording you a little more flexibility and a statistically better chance of winning. This is highly recommended when engaging in Oaks and Epsom Derby betting, which tends to produce unpredictable outcomes and can see rank outsiders compete for first place.
🎁 Top Free Bets Offers for the Epsom Derby and Oaks
Now it’s time to compare the latest Epsom Derby betting offers and promotions, of which you’ll find plenty in the Irish marketplace. Here’s a brief overview of the best Epsom Derby betting offers and a direct link that enables you to claim them!
| Betting Site | Offer | Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Bet €10 Get €40 in free bets | Visit BoyleSports |
| Get up to €50 in free bets | Visit Betway |
| Bet €10 and earn a €10 in free bets | Visit Luckster |
| Get up to €40 if your first bet loses | Visit Unibet |
| Bet €5 and get €20 in Free Bets | Visit Ladbrokes |
| Bet €10 and earn €40 in Free Bets | Visit William Hill |
📑 Epsom Derby and Oaks Format
The Epsom Derby and Oaks take place during the iconic Epsom Derby festival, which this year will run for two days between Friday, June 2nd and Saturday, June 3rd. The opening Friday is ‘Ladies Day’, and this will play host to the Epsom Oaks Stakes (alongside six other races), with the runners going under starters’ orders at around 16:30 GMT. Saturday is ‘Derby Day’ and will host eight stellar races including the Epsom Derby. This is scheduled to get underway at 13:30 GMT.
📅 Epsom Derby and Oaks Schedule
Find below the schedule for the Epsom Derby and Oaks.
1️⃣ Ladies Day – Friday, 2nd June 2023
Ladies Day is incredibly popular and sees everyone dress to impress, while a total of seven races will take place between 14:00 and 17:45. This includes the Epsom Oaks Stakes, which this year will be sponsored by the Betfred brand.
| Start Time | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 14:00pm | Woodcote EBF Stakes | 6f 3y |
| 14:35pm | Racehourse Lotto Handicap | 1m 113y |
| 15:10pm | Dahlbury Coronation Cup | 1m 4f 6y |
| 15.45pm | Betfred Handicap Stakes | 1m 2f 17y |
| 16:30pm | Betfred Oaks | 1m 4f 6y |
| 17:10pm | Poundland Surrey Stakes | 7f 3y |
| 17:45pm | Derby Festival Handicap Stakes | 7f 3y |
2️⃣ Derby Day – Saturday, 3rd June 2023
Derby Day is packed full of action, and gets underway with the Group 3 Betfred Diomed Stakes at 12:50. This is the first of eight outstanding races, including the Group 1 Betfred Derby and Princess Elizabeth Stakes.
| Start Time | Race | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 12:50pm | Betfred Diomed Stakes | 1m ½f |
| 13:30pm | Betfred Derby | 1m 4f |
| 14:10pm | Princess Elizabeth Stakes | 1m ½f |
| 14.45pm | Aston Martin 3yo 'Dash' Handicap Stakes | 5f |
| 15:20pm | Aston Martin 'Dash' Handicap (Heritage Handicap) | 5f |
| 15:55pm | Ebbisham Handicap | 1m 2f |
| 16:30pm | Northern Dancer Handicap | 1m 4f |
| 17:05pm | JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap | 6f |
🔙 A Look Back at the 2022 Epsom Derby and Oaks
Last year’s Epsom Derby saw the 243rd annual running of the race, which was sponsored for the second time by Cazoo. The race was incredibly close and keenly contested, with ante post favourite Desert Crown (trained by Sir Michael Stoute) overcoming a difficult start to ride clear one furlong out and ultimately beat Hoo Ya Mal by ½ a length. As for the 2022 Epsom Oaks, trainer Aidan O’Brien claimed his third successive win and fourth in five years, as ‘Tuesday’ prevailed and edged out Emily Upjohn by a shoulder after a thrilling finale.
🏁 Epsom Derby History
2023 will see the 244th iteration of the Epsom Derby, which was inaugurated way back in 1780. The first ever race was won by Diomed, who was a colt owned by politician Sir Charles Bunbury and prevailed over a mile.
The starting point of the race has changed over the years, creating a scenario where its length has been extended to a little over one mile and four furlongs.
Sir Lester Piggott remains the most successful jockey in the history of the event, winning nine races between 1954 and 1983. As I’ve already touched on, Aidan O’Brien is the race’s most successful trainer, winning six of the last 11 races and eight overall.
As for the Oaks, this was inaugurated a year earlier in 1779, while the event is named after ‘The Oaks’ (which is an estate that’s located just to the east of Epsom). This was once leased to the 12th Earl of Derby, who devised the race with friends at the estate during a party.
It was first run as the ‘Oakes Stakes’, with the Lord Derby-owned ‘Bridget’ winning the inaugural race. Since then, the Oaks has become the one of the UK’s leading event for three-year-olds, with the 19th century trainer Robert Robson having overseen a record 13 winners since its inception.
Frank Boyle is the event’s most successful jockey with nine wins, earned between 1797 and 1823.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About the Epsom Derby and Oaks 2023 Betting
I’ll close this Epsom Oaks preview by answering some of your most frequently asked questions about the Epsom Derby and Oaks.
When is the Epsom Derby?
The 2023 iteration of the Epsom Derby will take place on Saturday, 3rd June, which is the second and final day of the Epsom Festival. It will commence at around 13:30pm.
When is Epsom Oaks?
The Epsom Oaks will be run on Friday, 2nd June, which is the first day of the Epsom Festival. This is one of seven races scheduled to take place on ‘Ladies Day’ and is due to start at 16:30pm.
How do I bet on Epsom Derby races?
Even if you’re attending the Epsom Derby in person, you can place early, ante post bets online. You can do so at any of Betinireland’s recommend sportsbooks, which have been thoroughly reviewed and vetted according to several key criteria.
What horse should I bet on Epsom Derby and Oaks?
I’m backing ante post favourite Military Order to win the Epsom Derby, with this runner currently priced at around 4.00 Conversely, I think that the Epsom Oaks favourite Savethelastdance may be a little under-priced at average odds of 2.38, so I’d recommend backing Running Lion at a current ante post price of 8.00.
Where to bet on Epsom Derby and Oaks?
You can bet on the Epsom Derby and Oaks at any of Betinireland’s sportsbooks. However, to make an informed choice, I’d recommend comparing these operators in detail while seeing precisely what each one has to offer in terms of odds, promotions and free bet offers.
If you liked what you read here, then we really recommend you take a look at the following articles too:
