Support returns for Saxon Warrior amid £25m Derby betting spree

Saturday’s Epsom Derby is expected to trigger a £25m betting spree across the United Kingdom.

And it’s Aidan O’Brien’s heavy favourite Saxon Warrior who is taking the majority of the cash as support returns for the odds-on jolly.

The 10/11 shot was briefly pushed out to even-money following news of a nightmare draw in stall one, but that hasn’t dissuaded speculative racing fans about the chances of the three-year-old.

He leads a field of 12 into battle at the Surrey course, including Young Rascal (8/1) and Roaring Lion (9/1).

Hazapour is another that has attracted the attention of punters with top jockey and Ladbrokes ambassador Frankie Dettori booked to ride.

The excitable Italian has twice won the Derby, first in 2007 with Authorized and then again in 2015 aboard Golden Horn.

His mount on Saturday is a 15/2 shot after landing a Group 3 contest at Leopardstown last time out.

However, our traders still think that O’Brien and Saxon Warrior are the ones to beat. So much so, in fact, that we go just 11/4 for the Ballydoyle handler to train a 1-2 in the race.

It’s 11/1 that he trains a 1-2-3, with 33/1 saying he trains none of the first three home at all.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “With the drying ground, support has returned for red-hot favourite Saxon Warrior.”

“However, others are still deterred by his draw in stall one and the each-way alternatives appear to be Young Rascal and Hazapour, who has a lovely draw in stall 3 and continues to be backed.”

Ladbrokes Latest Betting:

Aidan O’Brien Specials

Aidan O’Brien to train the 1-2 in the Derby – 11/4

Aidan O’Brien to train the 1-2-3 in the Derby – 11/1

Aidan O’Brien to train NONE of the first 3 home in the Derby – 33/1

Aidan O’Brien to win the Derby – 4/7

Aidan O’Brien not to win the Derby – 5/4

All Odds and Markets correct as of date and publication