Australian Derby Preview
Randwick Race 7 – 15:15 AEDT
Group One, 3-Y-O Set Weights
2400m
Prize: $2,000,000
Heavy 9 (Likely to be run in the soft range based on weather forecast)
Rail: True
| # | Form | Horse | Trainer | Jockey (barrier) | Weight (kg) |
Current Price |
| 1 | 2x514 | LION'S ROAR | J O'SHEA | B AVDULLA (13) | 56.5 | $8.00 |
| 2 | 12111 | ROCKET SPADE | L SCOTT | K MCEVOY (2) | 56.5 | $10.00 |
| 3 | x1142 | SKY LAB | P PERRY | J B MC DONALD (6) | 56.5 | $4.80 |
| 4 | 21528 | MILFORD | S MARSH | D OLIVER (7) | 56.5 | $61.00 |
| 5 | 19238 | THE FRONTMAN | M B & A FORSMAN | H BOWMAN (8) | 56.5 | $26.00 |
| 6 | 1x241 | YALETOWN | G WATERHOUSE & A BOTT | TIM CLARK (10) | 56.5 | $17.00 |
| 7 | x7523 | YOUNG WERTHER | D O'BRIEN | TOM MARQUAND (14) | 56.5 | $13.00 |
| 8 | 12x36 | KHOEKHOE | MATTHEW CUMANI | C WILLIAMS (3) | 56.5 | $10.00 |
| 9 | 31222 | PROMPT PRODIGY | EDWARD CUMMINGS | MS R KING (9) | 56.5 | $41.00 |
| 10 | 51132 | EXPLOSIVE JACK | C MAHER & D EUSTACE | J ALLEN (15) | 56.5 | $18.00 |
| 11 | 32135 | TOSCANINI | C MAHER & D EUSTACE | JAMIE KAH (5) | 56.5 | $41.00 |
| 12 | x4114 | FAVREAU | J SARGENT | TOMMY BERRY (16) | 56.5 | $14.00 |
| 13 | 21419 | RONDINO | G HICKMAN | KEAGAN LATHAM (11) | 56.5 | $126.00 |
| 14 | 31466 | ZAKSPEED | WENDY ROCHE | A ADKINS (12) | 56.5 | $126.00 |
| 15 | 74104 | OLYMPIC GAZE | P PERRY | D LANE (1) | 56.5 | $126.00 |
| 16 | 13x63 | MONTEFILIA | D PAYNE | J R COLLETT (4) | 54.5 | $3.70 |
Race Overview
The Australian Derby is one of the traditional staying classics on the racing calendar, having first been run in 1861 when won by Kyogle. Interestingly, geldings were banned from the race from 1932 to 1956 with the race having been won by greats of Australian racing including; Kingstown Town, Mahogany, Tulloch and of course Phar Lap.
Race Speed
The 2400 metre start at Randwick tends to favour horses drawing low such as Rocket Spade and Montefilia as the track bends quite sharply as go past the winning post for the first time potentially leaving those drawn wider trapped deep for a large portion of the race. Last start winner Yaletown will take up the running almost uncontested as a large contingent of the field typically race off the speed. Fancied runner Sky Lab will more than likely settle in the rear of the field.
Key Runners
- Rocket Spade ($10)
The New Zealand Derby winner crosses the Tasman in an attempt to be the first horse to complete the double since Mongolian Khan in 2015 and Bonecrusher prior to that in 1986. After his success over the Derby trip in early March, the stable chose to drop him back to 1600m as a tune up race before arriving on Australian shores where he was a comfortable three length winner. However, the two he beat past the line, Milford and The Frontman have both been disappointing in their Australian runs so far, casting a query on the New Zealand form, but in a race devoid of runners with experience over the gruelling mile and a half, the experience must be respected.
- Sky Lab ($4.80)
Sky Lab has been on a Derby path his entire preparation and confirmed his ability with a fighting second in the Rosehill Guineas last start. Two starts back ran a length and a half fourth in a BM88 against the older horses after having no luck in the run while also securing a win over a mile prior that. Has had success on rain affected ground and his action suggests he’ll be able to handle the trip, big chance.
- Yaletown ($17)
Had a the track pattern to suit last start in the Tulloch Stakes when winning well and looks to be able to dictate the speed of the race in front again. Hopefully barrier ten does not provide many troubles for Tim Clark in crossing to lead, while interestingly, the last four winners of the Tulloch have come out and subsequently won the Derby a week later.
- Explosive Jack ($23)
At a big price and comes from separate Tasmania and Victorian formlines where he won the Tasmania Derby over 2200 metres before placings in the Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley and St Leger Trial last start. Has a poor gate but has proved himself over longer distances and the training combination of Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace go to another level with their stayers.
- Montefilia ($3.70)
Race favourite Montefilia savaged the line last start in the Rosehill Guineas producing the best race last 800 metres as well as the best last 200 metre sectional of the day at the distance (2000 metres) when third behind Mo’Unga and Sky Lab. These sectionals are even more impressive considering it was better than both Verry Ellegant and Addeybb in the Ranvet Stakes that day suggesting the filly is flying at present. Peaked on her run in the Victorian Derby during the Spring when third but has arguably come back a better horse and will be better for that race experience.
Race Selection
- Montefilia ($3.70)
A deserving race favourite on the back of her multiple Group Ones last preparation, placing in the VRC Derby and her aforementioned performance in the Rosehill Guineas. Jockey Jason Collett will have the chance to place her in a good spot from barrier four while trainer David Payne has had success in training Derby winners in recent years and will have Montefilia ready to win Saturday. Including Yaletown as a knockout hope based on the recent history of Tulloch winner in the race.
