Authorized (horse) appeared at the time to be the best performance in any of the 2007 Trial races for the Epsom Derby and Authorized was made favourite for the race. Media attention ahead of the Derby focused on Frankie Dettori who, despite winning all the other British Classics at least twice each, had so far failed to win the Derby in 14 attempts. For the race itself, run at Epsom Downs Racecourse on 2 June 2007, Authorized was a clear favourite at odds of 5 to 4, and justified the odds by winning by five lengths in a fast time. Dropped back
2018 Epsom Derby colt was already entered for the Derby and Gosden commented "If we get a hot summer he could be back [for the Derby]...he's a big boy but with not the biggest feet and he flows over faster ground." On 27 April the Bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown Park produced a second trial winner for John Gosden. Gosden's Sevenna Star beat six other colts in a race run on testing going, getting up close to the winning post to beat Charlie Appleby's Ispolini by a short head. Sevenna Star had won his previous race by 14 lengths. Frankie Dettori, who rode