It’s Derby Day at Epsom and like yesterday’s Oaks, the race is wide open with almost half the field having some chance of glory. I predicted yesterday that the Oaks could spring a surprise winner and it did in the form of supplemental runner Snow Fairy. What about the Derby? Is it going to spring a surprise or two or will the favourites reign?

Online bookmakers have Jan Vermeer a clear cut 5/2 favourite ahead of Workforce at 5/1, Midas Touch at 6/1 and Rewilding at 13/2. This has been a crazy betting race with some bookmakers offering as short as 2/1 Jan Vermeer while Midas Touch can be had for as long as 7/1. Workforce and Rewilding seem to be the two that are steady in the market.

With only a field of 12 running around, this does look to be a race for the favourites and while Midas Touch is a little uneasy in the markets, he does look to be a horse well suited to Epsom and the distance. Jan Vermeer is probably the class horse in the field and with Johnny Murtagh steering him, will be very hard to beat. I am not sure if he is good value at 5/2. He certainly isn’t at 2/1.

While the bookies have a leaning for Jan Vermeer, the jockeys all seem to like the look of Midas Touch. The punters seem to be leaning towards Workforce as the best value bet. Like all Epsom derbies, this year’s will be a classic with the top jockeys and trainers looking for glory. If you are looking for a longer shot that is in with a chance, take a second glance at Ted Spread. There’s nothing classy about him, but he looks to be a very honest horse, perhaps a little out of his depth in this field, but he will be running on at the right end of the race and is good value for each way punters.