Dylan Browne McMonagle is betting on Dancing Gemini, who is riding in the Betfred Derby for the first time.
After joining Joseph O'Brien's stable, the 21-year-old rider climbed up the ranks swiftly and won the title of champion apprentice in Ireland in both 2021 and 2022.
Riding horses trained by his father Aidan, O'Brien won the Derby twice: in 2012, he rode Camelot to victory, and in 2014, he rode Australia to glory.
Given that Browne McMonagle wants to follow in O'Brien's footsteps and win the race on Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini, it makes sense since Camelot is the mount's sire.
The horse and jockey duo made their debut together at Paris Longchamp in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), where they were narrowly defeated by Metropolitan by half a length.
The horse is well-prepared for his journey to Epsom after that run and his impressive performance on the morning of the gallops. However, his young rider will be travelling to the Surrey track for the first time, having never taken a ride there previously.
“To have your first ride in the Derby is massive and to ride a horse that’s got a chance in it as well is extra special,” the jockey said. “I’m really looking forward to it, Roger has him in tip-top shape, for sure, we’re all guns blazing. He had a good prep run in the French Guineas and he couldn’t have run much better for us without winning, he just got touched off, so I’m looking forward to a big run. It’s going to be my first time there, it’s going to be something different. We’ll have a good walk of the track and try to figure it out, he’s going to be my first so I’ll have to give it my best shot.”