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19 horses will head to post for the 2025 Epsom Derby on Saturday as all but one stood their ground at the new 72-hour declaration stage.
As expected, Aidan O'Brien's Puppet Master was the sole horse not to declare out of the 20 confirmations, leaving the Ballydoyle handler triple-handed with current market leader Delacroix, who landed both leading trials in Ireland, set to be joined by Dante Stakes disappointment The Lion In Winter and Chester Vase scorer Lambourn.
The might of Ballydoyle will has a two-strong attack from fellow powerhouse Godolphin, who were responsible for declaring both Ruling Court and Tornado Alert. The former, trained by Charlie Appleby, looking to complete a memorable Classic double following his 2000 Guineas triumph at Newmarket, while the latter will be looking to reverse the form for Saeed bin Suroor following his fourth-place finish.
Ralph Beckett, who finished third in the contest with subsequent Arc runner-up Westover in 2022, will be hopeful that the unbeaten Pride Of Arras can follow up his dominant Dante Stakes performance to provide him with a first Epsom Derby success. The Kimpton Down Stables-based trainer will also saddle Stanhope Gardens, who finished a neck behind Delacroix in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket last season.
The France-trained pair of Midak and New Ground, who were both supplemented on Monday, will take their chance. Francis-Henri Graffard's Midak will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona as he bids to stretch his unbeaten record to four in the famous colours of Aga Khan Studs following a ready victory in the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud, while owners Juddmonte will be searching for further Classic success with the Henri-Francois Devin-trained New Ground.
John and Thady Gosden's Dante Stakes runner-up and fifth Damysus and Nightwalker featured amongst the declarations, while Charlie Johnston is responsible for saddling his Chester Vase second Lazy Griff, who will be partnered by Christophe Soumillon, and the Billy Loughnane-ridden Green Storm. Green Team Racing will also be represented by the Owen Burrows-trained Al Wasl Storm.
James Owen has opted to miss the Epsom Derby with his star Wimbledon Hawkeye, although the Hamilton Road-based trainer does saddle outsider Rogue Impact. Luke Morris will take the ride.
Nightime Dancer, Sea Scout, Tennessee Stud and Tuscan Hills complete the field of nineteen.
