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
Sam James
Roar Guru
That is the Australian Derby for 2014. Well done to connections and favourite punters. The TJ Smith Stakes is next and this race will decide Australia's best sprinter (unless Gordon Lord Byron wins). Follow all the action with Alfred Chan now: http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/04/12/t-j-smith-stakes-preview-live-blog-and-results/
Sam James
Roar Guru
Tupac Amaru was a huge run in second. McEvoy made a bold move at the 600m and he went extremely close to pulling it off. Hooked came up along the inside of Criterion, hit the front for a few strides and was not beaten far. Saavy Nature battled away, but never looked the winner and Puccini was the only on-pace horse to kick on, although he weakened in the last 200m.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Well deserved big victory for David Payne. He has a nice team of horses at Rosehill and always has a hand at carnival time.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Winning trained David Payne believes Criterion has always shown ability. He is confident he will come back a better four-year-old, so the Cups might be his aim in the spring.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Another great Derby ride from Hugh Bowman; he said Criterion "went to another level" today.
Sam James
Roar Guru
1ST- CRITERION 2ND- TUPAC AMARU 3RD - HOOKED 4TH - SAVVY NATURE
Sam James
Roar Guru
At the 600m, Tupac Amaru goes for home with a sweeping run and goes past Puccini. Criterion and Hooked coming through and look to fight it out. Criterion hits the front, fights off Hooked but Tupac Amaru kicks back on the outside. As they hit the line, Criterion kicks and wins!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Down the back and Puccini is leading at a moderate tempo, Surge Ahead and Cadillac Mountain trapped wide are keeping him honest as the head down the side
Sam James
Roar Guru
They are racing. Surge Ahead, Best Case and Solo Saga cross from out wide, but Puccini boots up to lead. Criterion has settled just better than midfield. Singing Flame missed the kick.
Sam James
Roar Guru
The last horses move in and we are all set for the Australian Derby...
Sam James
Roar Guru
The Australian National Anthem is done and dusted with horses now moving into the gates.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Expect Puccini to lead with Surge Ahead and Singing Flame in handy positions. From barrier 1, it will be interesting to see if Hugh Bowman cuts the corner as he did two weeks ago in the Rosehill Guineas.
Sam James
Roar Guru
They are heading towards the barriers for the Australian Derby with Criterion the clear favourite.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Anthony Cummings has three runners in the race and is unsure whether Thunder Fantasy will handle the conditions.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Best Case has paraded really nicely. The distance is the query, but don't be surprised to see him run a big race.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Singing Flame is a big and strong colt. He was so brave last week and showed her can handle the heavy conditions.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Gallatin is backing up from last week. You have to respect the Snowdens backing him up and don't worry about the barrier as he will get back anyway.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Thunder Fantasy is another colt we know will run the trip. He looks fantastic in the yard and has Damien Oliver on board.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Pucinni looks fine even though he's had a long preparation. He had no luck last start and the Kiwi's have a terrific record in the race.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Criterion is the favourite and he looks to have come on since his dominant win in the Rosehill Guineas. He will run the tip, handle the rain-affected ground and is clearly the one to beat.