2022 Epsom Derby: early contenders and key trial dates for premier Classic

It might still be some way off but the 2022 Cazoo Derby is on the horizon, taking place on June 4 at Epsom.

Attention is beginning to turn to the premier Classic in the wake of Saturday's Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown, won by Piz Badile, and a race which is traditionally a Derby trial.

Two months out from the big race, we take a look at five leading contenders and some key trial race dates for you to look out for in the build-up to the 243rd running of Britain's richest Flat race.

4.30 Epsom Saturday, June 4: Cazoo Derby entries and betting

Luxembourg

Odds: 3-1 (general)

Aidan O’Brien’s charge is a general 3-1 favourite for the Derby but we may well be seeing the horse in action earlier than that.

Aidan O'Brien with Luxembourg at his Ballydoyle yardCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Luxembourg holds an entry for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket this month and the master trainer could then ask last year's Group 1 Vertem Futurity winner to step up in trip at Epsom.

What they say

Aidan O'Brien:“It looks as though Luxembourg will go straight for the Guineas. He travelled well in his work and finished close to Point Lonsdale so it will be interesting to see how they get on at Newmarket. We could make a plan after Newmarket but obviously both colts could step up a good bit further in trip this season."

Point Lonsdale

Odds: 8-1

Speaking of O’Brien, the trainer has another live chance with Point Lonsdale, the winner of last year's Futurity Stakes at the Curragh.

He too looks set to line up for the 2,000 Guineas this month and is a general 8-1 chance for the Derby.

What they say

Aidan O’Brien:"Point Lonsdale is a very brave horse. Even looking at him at the Curragh, his head goes right down to the ground. He's a great traveller – he has plenty of pace – but we think he'll stay as well."

Reach For The Moon

Odds: 10-1

With Derby day forming part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this year, it is only right we focus on a royal horse in contention.

Reach For The Moon, trained by John and Thady Gosden and a son of Sea The Stars, was the winner of the Group 3 Solario Stakes at Sandown last year and a runner-up in the Champagne Stakes last time out before a setback curtailed his juvenile season.

What they say

Frankie Dettori:“He was quite babyish at the beginning of his career. He was quite coltish and not concentrating. With racing he is getting better and better. Today [after the Solario] he stopped his antics a little bit and he was focusing better. He has a good size, a wonderful stride and he's got gears. He's a very exciting prospect.”

Native Trail

Odds: 10-1

The Charlie Appleby-trained star has yet to taste defeat, impressing when last seen winning the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October and is set to take in the 2,000 Guineas before a possible Derby tilt.

Native Trail could be another star three-year-old for the prolific duo of Charlie Appleby and William BuickCredit: Edward Whitaker

Native Trail has already beaten one of the other horses in this list, Point Lonsdale, in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes in September last year.

What they say

Charlie Appleby (after the National Stakes): "It was one of those occasions that as they were walking around the paddock I was gaining more confidence. I just thought he was the standout and I think we've got a fantastic horse on our hands for next year's Guineas."

Piz Badile

Odds: 16-1

After landing the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown last weekend, Piz Badile's trainer Donnacha O’Brien suggested the Derby will be on the agenda this year.

Early prices of 14-1 have been quoted for a Derby success for Piz Badile, while Buckaroo, who he edged out on Saturday, has been priced up as high as 25-1.

What they say

Donnacha O'Brien:“He's going to be better when he goes a mile and a half, but I think the fact that he can quicken means he's got a bit of class. The plan has been here, Derrinstown [Derby Trial] and then Epsom. Obviously everything has to go right back here the next day, but that's been the plan for a while and that's what we'll stick to.”

2022 Derby key trial race dates for your diary

Wednesday, April 13: bet365 Craven Stakes, Newmarket

Tuesday, April 19: Blue Riband Trial Stakes, Epsom

Friday, April 22: bet365 Classic Trial

Saturday, April 30: Qipco 2,000 Guineas, Newmarket

Wednesday, May 4: Boodles Chester Vase Stakes, Chester

Thursday, May 5: Homeserve Dee Stakes, Chester

Saturday, May 7: Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes, Lingfield

Sunday, May 8: Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes, Leopardstown

Thursday, May 12: Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes, York

Saturday, May 21: Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas, Curragh

Read these next:

'He goes very well' - Aidan O'Brien talks up unraced 33-1 Derby dark horse

Aidan O'Brien pins Guineas hopes on Luxembourg as he reveals Classic plans

Ballysax Stakes: 1.01 drama: Piz Badile enhances Derby claims with last-gasp win over Buckaroo

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