Victorian Derby – Saturday November 4, 2017 2500m | Group 1 3YO Set Weights | Flemington Racecourse | Prize money: $1,500,000
About the Victorian Derby
The Victorian Derby is the leading staying race for 3-year-olds during the Melbourne Spring Carnival. The race is run over a distance of 2500m at Flemington Racecourse and is held on the first Saturday of the Flemington Carnival known as Derby Day. The race has acted as a launching pad for future Melbourne Cup winners, as staying 3-year-olds prove their capabilities. The race has a capacity of 16 runners, with 4 emergencies also entered to ensure that a capacity field saddles up. The runners battle it out for a prize pool of $1.5 Million with the winner taking home a cool $900,000.
History of the Victorian Derby
The Victorian Derby has a rich history as it holds the mantle of being Australia’s oldest race. It was first run in 1855, and was upgraded to Group 1 status in 1979. The Derby has seen some great 3-year-old winners prevail including; Tulloch, Phar Lap, Efficient and Fireworks.
Victorian Derby Key Statistics
- Favourites have a poor record in the race – only 2 have won in the past 10 years, 5 have won in the past 20 years
- Hugh Bowman has a particularly good record in the race – he has won 3 of the last 7 editions
Victorian Derby Past Winners (Last 20 editions)
| 2016 | Prized Icon |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Tarzino |
| 2014 | Preferment |
| 2013 | Polanski |
| 2012 | Fiveandahalfstar |
| 2011 | Sangster |
| 2010 | Lion Tamer |
| 2009 | Monaco Consul |
| 2008 | Rebel Raider |
| 2007 | Kibbutz |
| 2006 | Efficient |
| 2005 | Benicio |
| 2004 | Plastered |
| 2003 | Elvstroem |
| 2002 | Helenus |
| 2001 | Amalfi |
| 2000 | Hit The Roof |
| 1999 | Blackfriars |
| 1998 | Arena |
| 1997 | Second Coming |
Early Betting on the Victorian Derby
Betting is fairly open early with favourite Royal Symphony leading the way after a strong Winter Carnival. Blue Diamond placegetter Pariah is also prominent in early betting, but we can expect to see the markets change as 3-year-olds emerge early in the Spring Carnival.
Victorian Derby Betting Options
A range of betting options exist for the Victorian Derby including a win bet and a place bet. Some other forms of horse racing betting include: quinella, exacta, trifecta, first 4, quaddie and the big6. [betsteps]
