Roar Guru
The Australian Derby (2400m, Group 1, set weights) at 3:10pm is the second Group 1 feature at Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships. Join us for our live coverage of Australia’s richest race for three-year-olds as we build to the 3:10pm start time.
The Randwick track has not been seen for four weeks, with the rail in the true position. Winners came away from the fence towards the middle of the day last year, so there should be no real disadvantage to be drawn wide, particularly in the staying races.
Last year’s winner was It’s A Dundeel, completing the third leg of the Triple Crown in typical, dominant style. The four previous winners all came off strong runs in the Rosehill Guineas without winning.
Expect Puccini to lead with Surge Ahead and Mountain View settling forward from outside. Singing Flame may also sit handy again this week ensuring at least a moderate tempo.
Criterion was simply brilliant winning the Rosehill Guineas two weeks ago. Hugh Bowman saved ground along the fence, before unleashing an outstanding sprint. His run in the Victoria Derby was enormous as he sat last, made an extremely wide run and copped interference in the straight.
While it is difficult to see any of the horses attaining revenge, Thunder Fantasy was a good second at Rosehill and did beat home Criterion in the Victoria Derby. From barrier 8, Damien Oliver has the choice to race forward or back.
Teronado has run home well in every run this preparation. He has specifically been set for the race and handled wet ground in Brisbane. Also from the Rosehill Guineas, Hooked covered a lot of ground and can be forgiven, while Savvy Nature ran well without challenging the winner.
Puccini had excuses when the saddle shifted early at Rosehill (yes, Michael Walker was still given the boot). His New Zealand Derby win was exceptional, but he is coming to the end of a very long preparation.
The other lead up was last week’s Tulloch Stakes, which saw Gallatin really find the line after settling last. The runner-up Singing Flame was gallant and left in front a long way from home. Both showed they can handle heavy ground, but will have to handle the quick back-up.
Of the others, Crime Fighter won in brilliant fashion at Moonee Valley thanks to a ripping ride from Patrick Maloney. While he looks better suited to a race like the South Australian Derby, we have seen progressive horses win this race in the past.
Bevin Laming’s Solo Saga showed promise this preparation in Brisbane and can reel off quick sectionals. Jim Cassidy jumps aboard and he will relish the 2400m.
The dominance of Criterion’s Rosehill Guineas win makes it difficult to look past him, so his challengers may come from other form lines. Hugh Bowman has a great record in Victoria Derby and has his best opportunity to score his first Australian Derby.
Roar racing writers’ autumn tipping competition (five points if winning horse is tipped for first; three points if tipped for second; two for third and one for fourth):
Sam Kelly – Roar Guru and today’s live blogger
1. Criterion
2. Hooked
3. Thunder Fantasy
4. Gallatin
Justin Cinque – Roar Racing Editor
1. Thunder Fantasy
2. Criterion
3. Puccini
4. Gallatin
Cameron Rose – Roar Expert
1.Thunder Fantasy
2.Criterion
3.Puccini
4.Teronado
Alfred Chan – Roar Guru
1. Gallatin
2. Teronado
3. Criterion
4. Savvy Nature
Brad Durrant – Roar Guru
1. Puccini
2. Criterion
3. Cadillac Mountain
4. Koroibete
Brent Ford – Roar Guru
1. Criterion
2. Singing Flame
3. Thunder Fantasy
4. Puccini
Points tally after Golden Slipper day
Brent Ford – 29
Cameron Rose – 18
Justin Cinque – 16
Alfred Chan – 15
Brad Durrant – 14