SportHorse racingChristmasSuperstar jockey Ryan Moore has shared his thoughts on the challengers in the 2026 Betfred Derby, including his mount Benvenuto Cellini, the big race favourite12:46, 05 Jun 2026Ryan Moore reckons his Betfred Derby ride has ‘most things you need’ to win the £2 million Epsom Classic on Saturday.‌Superstar jockey Moore has won the richest race run in Britain four times, including three victories on horses trained by Aidan O’Brien. O’Brien goes for a record 12th success in the Derby in which he is set to saddle four live contenders. Moore will partner Benvenuto Cellini, the race favourite who warmed up for the big race with success in the Chester Vase last month.‌Moore has shared his thoughts in his regular World Pool blog ahead of “the most important race of the season.”‌“I ride Benvenuto Cellini, who’s a beautiful mover by Frankel, out of Newspaperofrecord, a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner, and he will probably go off favourite here,” he said“He was a good winner of the Chester Vase on his first start this year, so he’s already proven at the trip. He’s an uncomplicated horse with great balance and I’m looking forward to riding him. I think he has most of the things you need to win a Derby.”He continued: “We also run Pierre Bonnard. He’s a son of Camelot out of Sultanina that won the Group 1 Criterium de Saint Cloud last year. He was beaten on his first two runs this year, but he will be suited by stepping up to the 1m4f and the rain that’s falling will be in his favour. I can see him running a big race.‌“Action and Christmas Day, who finished second and third in the Dante at York, also run. I think that Action will relish the step up to a mile and a half, and the rain will be a benefit to his chances. He’s also half-brother to Lambourn who won the race last year.“Christmas Day is a tough, consistent horse and I think he will run well also. Item got the better of Action and Christmas Day in the Dante and is an unbeaten colt by Frankel out of a Lope De Vega mare, so there’s some similarities to Benvenuto Cellini there. He’s open to any amount of improvement and must be taken seriously.”Article continues belowOf the rest he said: “Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance finished 1st and 2nd in the Lingfield Derby Trial, pulling clear of the rest. Being by Sea The Stars out of a Camelot mare, Maltese Cross is bred to stay and is an interesting runner.“Joseph [O’Brien] runs James J Braddock who beat Pierre Bonnard the last day, and the step up in trip should suit.”Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Ryan MooreChristmasSuperstarHorses