Ulysses and his chances of Epsom Derby success

When it comes to breeding, few could theoretically have better genes for the Epsom Derby than Ulysses. His father was 2001 Derby winner Galileo, while his mother Light Shift is a previous winner of the Oaks.

Both parents are Classic winners in their own right, over a trip of 1m4f and at Epsom.

His form so far is far from the best on the Derby table though, finishing sixth on his sole start as a two-year-old, beaten on his seasonal reappearance before winning a maiden by a long distance at odds of 4/11 last time.

The way Ulysses romped clear with minimal encouragement from jockey Ryan Moore looked mightily impressive. He certainly appears to possess the turn of foot required to pose a threat in the Derby, particularly when the majority of others towards the top of the market seem to be more about stamina than outright speed.

Andrea Atzeni will take over in the saddle at Epsom and trainer Sir Michael Stoute has been nothing but positive in discussions about the horse since his Newbury dominance.

However, for all that Stoute’s horses have a track record for lofty improvement between the ages of two and three and his change of pace potentially being a potent weapon, it is still almost unknown territory for a horse to win a Derby when officially rated below 100.

Ulysses has been well backed into 7/1 to win the Derby, despite his mark of 97.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.