The Investec Derby and Oaks 2020: all you need to know for the big day at Epsom

The Investec Derby is the most valuable race in Britain and the most prestigious of the five Classics. It is run at Epsom Downs racecourse over a mile and a half for three-year-old colts and fillies, with this year's contest due off at 4.55pm on Saturday, July 4.

The Investec Oaks is run over the same distance but is only open to three-year-old fillies. That race takes place the same day at 3.40pm.

The Derby normally takes place on the first Saturday in June, but it was moved this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure it could be held safely.

A 24-hour exclusion zone - from midnight on Friday until midnight on Saturday - will be in force around part of Epsom Downs to keep members of the public away.

The Derby and Oaks will be shown live on ITV with coverage starting at 1.25pm.

Racing TV will also be showing the action, while you can also stream and bet on the race on the Racing Post website and mobile app. Most betting shops are now open.

What are the Investec Derby and Oaks, and why are they so important?

The Investec Derby is one of the biggest and most prestigious global races, with a rich history dating back to Diomed's win in 1780.

The Derby and Oaks are a unique test of the thoroughbred, requiring a rare blend of speed, stamina and good balance to negotiate the undulating terrain and camber in the home straight.

The Derby: has been run for 240 yearsCredit: Mark Cranham

As the races are restricted to three-year-olds, you only get one shot at glory.

The Derby is the most illustrious prize in British racing and perhaps even the world when you take into account the value of the winner from a breeding perspective. Geldings cannot run, so victory at Epsom launches a future stallion career to breed the next generation of Derby prospects.

Who is running in the 2020 Investec Derby?

English King and Kameko are the market leaders.

English King won the Derby Trial at Lingfield for trainer Ed Walker and will be ridden by Frankie Dettori.

Kameko won the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket for Andrew Balding and will be partnered by Oisin Murphy.

Kameko and Oisin Murphy: won this year's 2,000 Guineas at NewmarketCredit: Edward Whitaker

Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien tends to have a number of runners in the race. He is six-handed this time, including Mogul, Russian Emperor, and Vatican City.

Who is running in the 2020 Investec Oaks?

Love and Frankly Darling are at the top of the market.

Love is trained by O'Brien and won the Qipco 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket under Ryan Moore.

Frankly Darling is trained by John Gosden and will be ridden by Dettori. She won the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Gosden and Dettori also won the race last year with Anapurna, and in 2017 with dual Arc winner Enable.

Frankly Darling: was an impressive winner of the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot under Frankie DettoriCredit: Edward Whitaker

Which horses have won the Derby?

Last year's race was won by Anthony Van Dyck for O'Brien, who was enjoying his record-equalling seventh success in the race. His first Derby win came with leading sire Galileo on 2001.

Perhaps the most famous Derby winner was Shergar in 1981, and his ten-length winning margin remains the longest in the race's history.

Nijinsky, who struck in 1970, is another of the epic winners through the years – he remains the last horse to claim the Triple Crown of the 2,000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger.

Who should I back?

The question everybody wants answered!

Firstly, have a look at the Derby card and Oaks card, and check out our free bet offers.

Make sure you keep checking the Racing Post website, mobile app and newspaper for all our expert betting advice and news in the run-up to the big meeting.

Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile