Epsom Derby Festival: Friday Racing Preview 2026
This guide expands on our race-by-race thoughts for Friday at the Epsom Derby Festival and offers practical advice for reading the cards and markets. Please note that gambling is for 18+ only and should be approached responsibly.
How to assess the Friday Epsom cards and bets
Start by checking each runner’s most recent runs, the ground preferences and any wind‑op position changes, then match those to Epsom’s undulating track demands. Always size stakes to entertainment value and avoid viewing betting as a way to solve financial problems.
Key form pointers for sprint and middle-distance races
Sprint form often relies on raw speed and first‑time blinkers or stalls data, while middle-distance contests reward stamina and the ability to handle the Epsom camber. Prioritise recent wins and competitive runs at similar trip or class rather than headline reputation alone.
Checking ground preference and recent race trips
Some horses improve on softer turf while others need quick ground; compare their best performances and where those came on the going scale. Note that heavy rain can change the complexion of a race quickly at Epsom and should alter your view of certain runners.
Why early-season form matters at Epsom races
Early-season runs give clues to fitness and progression, especially in handicaps where winter break improvement is common. Horses that have sharpened up with two solid runs often run better than those returning from a long layoff without a prep run.
Assessing jockey bookings and trainer partnerships
Top jockey bookings and established trainer-jockey combinations can provide an edge, but don’t overvalue them when form and trip are poor. Look for consistent partnerships and profitable trainer strike rates rather than a headline name alone.
How to use market prices and trainer statistics wisely
The market aggregates information quickly and highlights key contenders, but small edges exist by isolating horses likely to improve or regress. Use trainer and jockey strike rates as context, not guarantees, and adjust stakes for value rather than emotion.
Each-way place terms and sensible stake sizing
Understand the each-way place terms on offer and size stakes so a losing run doesn’t impact your finances or mood; small staking units keep betting enjoyable. Consider limiting exposure to multiple big-odds punts and favour selective, well-researched bets.
Small-stakes and each-way strategies for Friday cards
At Epsom, each-way betting can reward extra depth when there are large fields, but check the number of places and Smarkets or bookie terms before committing. Use split stakes where you back a favourite win and a smaller each-way stake on an outsider to manage variance.
Interpreting recent runs and performance trends clearly
Look beyond finishing position and study how the race was run; a late-closing third in a fast-run contest can be more persuasive than a narrow win in a slowly-run seller. Compare form lines across meetings to identify patterns of improvement or decline.
Selecting prospects from lower market and big prices
Big-priced runners can provide value if they possess a clear route to improvement, such as a notable trainer change or a first-time application of a breathing aid. Keep stakes small, emphasise research, and accept that long odds carry commensurate risk.
Race-day checklist for Epsom punters and readers
Before placing any bet, confirm the going, jockey declarations, non-runners and market movements to adjust your selection if necessary. Always gamble responsibly, stick to a staking plan and seek help if betting is causing harm.
The Epsom Derby Festival holds a special place in the hearts of racing fans worldwide.
Not only does it include Britain’s richest race, but the unique test of the track is why legends are made and legacies are cemented.
It's nearly Derby Day ✨#ITVRacing | #BetfredDerby pic.twitter.com/HY0uI1O5xa
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) May 30, 2024
Galileo, Shergar, Mill Reef, Sea The Stars, Golden Horn, and (most recently) Auguste Rodin have all conquered in the Derby itself, though the weekend kicks off with Epsom Oaks Day.
Friday’s card at Epsom looks tricky, but hopefully this article helps you decide what you are going to back.
2:00 Epsom – Teej A @ 11/2 with BetVictor (3 places) – 1pt EW
The Woodcote Stakes is a fun race to decipher year-on-year, and the common trend that previous winners all have in common is that they had a win under their belt coming into the £75,000 six-furlong contest.
All of the last 10 winners had that in their back pocket ahead of the Woodcote, so if you are to believe that stat, that’s an instant negative towards the chances of New Charter and Megalithic.
One horse that falls in line with that stat is Teej A for Karl Burke and Clifford Lee.
It’s fair to say that the Nick Bradley Racing Syndicate likes having runners in the Woodcote Stakes; they won the race with Oscula in 2021, sent two to the race in 2022, and then had three contenders one year later.
This year, they are represented by three, though the market probably has it correct to say that Teej A is the best of the trio based on her Chester win.
A Royal @Ascot filly?
A bright future ahead for @ChesterRaces scorer Teej A! pic.twitter.com/XxBZBAOJNn
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 9, 2024
That day, she travelled with plenty of zest, had to wait for room after they rounded the bend, and then kicked clear without the use of the whip from jockey Clifford Lee.
Lee’s two separate looks around inside the final half-a-furlong also suggest he had plenty of horse underneath him, and the form of the race looks fine as the fifth (Bretton Wood) ran in a hot Newmarket novice stakes on debut and the form of Rashabar’s (2nd) debut race at Newbury looks strong.
In what is a wide-open race, Teej A has strong claims.
2:35 Epsom – Orbaan @ 9/1 with Bet365 & Benacre @ 12/1 with William Hill (5 places) – 1pt EW each
Charlie Johnston won this race last year with Austrian Theory, and Benacre can add another trophy to the cabinet under the guidance of Richard Kingscote.
The four-year-old is hard to weigh up on recent form when considering the conditions of the race as connections stepped him up to 1m2f and 1m4f last season.
Although he ran well on two of those occasions, the gelding by Australia won over seven furlongs three times as a juvenile and he ran into Shoulvebeenaring (a dual Group 1 runner-up subsequently) over seven furlongs in the Listed King Charles II Stakes last year.
He also finished fourth in the Listed Burradon Stakes over eight furlongs at Newcastle in April 2023, a race that has produced the 113-rated Dear My Friend, 113-rated Flight Plan, 108-rated Galeron, and 104-rated Oviedo.
Benacre sprints clear to run out a comfortable winner of the Castlelake Irish Stallion Farms @IrishEBF_ Nursery Handicap for the William Buick and @Johnston_Racing 👏 pic.twitter.com/Gr9G2GzCrv
— Goodwood Racecourse (@Goodwood_Races) October 9, 2022
So, based on those lines of form, a return to eight-and-a-half furlongs suits him, and his good run in a Class 2 Wolverhampton handicap in March shows his apparent ability.
However, although I like the chances of Benacre, I can’t let Orbaan go at 9/1 unbacked based on last year’s run in this very race.
Rated 97 at the time, he ran through the line to finish fourth in the 2023 renewal under James Doyle and he returns to this contest off a 12-pound lower mark.
AUSTRIAN THEORY all the way! 😮
Some performance to hold off the field in the @RacehorseLotto Handicap 💪#DerbyFestival pic.twitter.com/RjOU0Hul0o
— Epsom Downs Racecourse (@EpsomRacecourse) June 2, 2023
We know he can handle a bit of dig in the ground based on his fifth in the 2022 Balmoral Handicap (good to soft) and he’s running himself into form after a good third at Ayr earlier in the month.
Off a mark of 85, his chance looks obvious.
3:45 – Mysterious Love @ 33/1 with Bet365 (4 places) – 0.5pts EW
In the race before the Epsom Oaks (which is a watching race for me), I’m happy to have a small-stakes bet on Mysterious Love at the bottom of the market.
The four-year-old has had just one start in handicap company so far where she finished an eye-catching ninth at Windsor despite racing out the back in a slowly run contest.
Last season, she bolted up by eight lengths at Nottingham on heavy ground before running two solid races at Ascot and Sandown.
Mysterious Love had shown smart form as a juvenile and puts it all together at the fifth attempt as the Dark Angel filly bolts up in the Bet At https://t.co/O8SML6na4R Maiden Fillies' Stakes for the @CierenFallonJr and @DavidMenuisier combination 🥇 pic.twitter.com/EFWm043UFd
— Nottingham Racecourse (@NottsRacecourse) May 12, 2023
The former came in the Group 3 Valiant Stakes, a race that has seen the second, Roman Mist, win a Group 3 two starts later before finishing behind Inspiral in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes.
As for her race at Sandown, running in-and-about the likes of Heredia, Queen For You, Potapova, Novus, Nibras Angel, and Coppice is solid form for a horse who has a rating of just 92.
Admittedly, she is due to go down three pounds after her run at Windsor, but the slightly softer conditions suit her well and her unexposed profile is worth chancing at big prices.
5:40 Epsom – Hodler @ 14/1 with William Hill – 1pt EW
Finally, in the last race of the day, Hodler is a horse that the handicapper has given a chance to.
The five-year-old won a course and distance handicap as a three-year-old off a mark of 80 back in September 2022, though he won off a four-pound higher mark at Chester last year.
On that occasion, he beat Gorak (who was giving one pound in weight away due to Ryan Sexton’s claim) by two lengths from stall 12.
14/1 winner for our man Hugh Taylor 🙌
Hodler takes the @ChesterRaces finale for @RyanSexton9 and @jimboyle17… pic.twitter.com/1HlEVyFQ6E
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 10, 2023
That piece of form looks rock solid as Gorak improved to a rating of 105 last season and he ran well in a Newmarket handicap on his last start off 95.
With an Epsom record of one win and one second, his mark of 81 (and Luke Catton’s five-pound claim) gives him a good chance here and he showed his well-being at Yarmouth when he finished third earlier this month.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Boyle and Catton have a 22% strike rate together from 55 runners (12 winners) alongside five seconds, five thirds, and seven fourths. To a one-pound level stake, the pair have a profitable partnership of £34.13.
Frequently asked questions about Epsom Friday bets
Do form lines matter for Epsom Friday races?
Yes, recent competitive runs at similar trips or going provide the clearest guide to likely performance at Epsom. Always combine form with conditions and jockey/trainer context.
What is a sensible each-way stake for Epsom?
Sensible each-way stakes are small relative to your bank, typically 0.5–2% per selection depending on confidence and value. Never stake more than you can afford to lose.
How important is the going at Epsom Downs?
The going is a major variable at Epsom and can favour horses proven on similar ground, so check official going reports before betting. Adjust selections if conditions change on race day.
Can I rely on trainer and jockey combinations?
Strong trainer-jockey partnerships can be an edge but should be weighed with form, trip suitability and recent performance. Use these stats as supporting evidence, not definitive proof.
Are big-priced outsiders worth small punts at Epsom?
Long-priced outsiders can offer value in large fields but should be backed cautiously with small stakes and solid reasoning. Treat such bets as speculative entertainment rather than investment.
Where can I compare bookmaker free bet offers safely?
You can explore current bookmaker free bet offers on our comparison page to see terms and welcome bonuses. Remember offers are for 18+ customers and to read T&Cs before claiming.
Who should avoid gambling and where to get help?
Gambling is not suitable for anyone under 18 or for people who feel they may lose control of their betting. If you need support visit organisations such as GamCare or use your bookmaker’s self-exclusion tools.
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