 At the Epsom Derby on 6 June , Ladas was the shortest @-@ priced favourite in the history of the Derby , starting at odds of 2 / 9 ( 0 @.@ 22 / 1 ) in against six opponents . Matchbox was the second favourite on 9 / 1 ahead of his stable companion Bullingdon on 100 / 6 ( 16 / 1 ) . Ladas started well , but was held up ( restrained ) by Watts and raced in fourth or fifth place in the early stages as Matchbox and Bullingdon made the running . Bullingdon weakened just after half way and Matchbox led the field into the straight , where Ladas emerged to challenge him , traveling in " grand style " and looking likely to win easily . Matchbox , however , responded well and , for the first time in his career , Ladas was placed under pressure . He " forged ahead " inside the final furlong and won the race by one and a half lengths from Matchbox , with Reminder six lengths further back in third . 
