'The Derby looks like an open race' - James J Braddock downs odds-on Pierre Bonnard in thriller to earn Epsom shot

Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources or find out more here

James J Braddock just got the better of Pierre Bonnard in the Group 3 Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial to stake his claim as a Classic contender.

Trained by Joseph O’Brien, James J Braddock had finished ahead of Pierre Bonnard when his rival disappointed as favourite in the Ballysax Stakes, and he confirmed the form in vanquishing the 5-6 favourite by a short head.

It was a first success for the Zarak colt since an impressive performance in a maiden on heavy ground at the Curragh in November. 

O’Brien said: “Before today, we were kind of working towards the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot, but I suppose we have to consider other options as well.

“It’s probably fair to say the Derby looks a relatively open race. Some of those Chester horses looked pretty good in fairness, but it does look like an open race. This guy is one of the contenders now, having won a trial. If we did want to go there, he's earned his spot.”

James J Braddock is a 25-1 shot (from 100) for the Derby at Epsom on June 6 with sponsors Betfred, who pushed Pierre Bonnard out to 14-1 (from 6).

Juvenile Group 1 winner Pierre Bonnard was considered Aidan O'Brien's number one contender for the Derby at the start of the season, and it was expected he would relaunch his campaign here after a mediocre return in the Ballysax. 

Pierre Bonnard sat in second, tracking his stablemate, Endorsement, before Wayne Lordan asked for maximum effort inside the two-furlong marker. Slowly but surely the son of Camelot began to make gains on the leader.

But in behind James J Braddock was responding well to Dylan Browne McMonagle's urgings. The 9-1 chance needed every yard of the mile and a quarter to get up and provide his co-owner Aziz Kheir with a first winner trained by O’Brien.

O’Brien said: “He's the first horse we’ve had for Aziz. He’s had a lot in Australia. This is going to be a horse who hopefully will turn up in top international races through the course of his career, and today was a big step forward.”

Although beaten only narrowly, it was a disappointing effort from Pierre Bonnard and one which will likely see him drop down the Ballydoyle pecking order for the Classics after good Chester wins by stablemates Benvenuto Cellini and Constitution River.

Betfred Derby, Epsom, June 6
Betfred: 5-2 Benvenuto Cellini, 9-2 Constitution River, 10 Christmas Day, 12 Hawk Mountain, Maltese Cross, 14 Pierre Bonnard, 20 Ancient Egypt, Bay Of Brilliance, Morshdi, Saxon Street, 25 James J Braddock, Water To Wine, 28 bar

Read these next:

Diamond Necklace sparkles in French 1,000 Guineas as Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore bounce back 

Francis Graffard and Mickael Barzalona find another star as Rayif proves too good with hot favourite Puerto Rico only fourth 

Aidan O’Brien is on fire - and it could get even better for him on Saturday with this 10-1 Group 1 fancy  

Join Racing Post+ Ultimate now and use the code DIXON20 to get 20% off for a whole year and get exclusive access to Martin Dixon's fantastic insight. Only available on annual subscriptions. Offer ends Tuesday, June 30, 2026. New customers only. After the promotional period ends, you will roll on to our standard pricing. No contract, no commitment, cancel any time.