The Victoria Derby (2500m, set weights, Group 1) is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious races. A big field has been assembled, so join us for all the build up to the 3:45pm race.
There are generally four key lead-up races to the Derby: the Caulfield Classic (formerly Norman Robinson), the Spring Champion Stakes, the Geelong Classic and the Vase at Moonee Valley, which has become the best guide in recent times.
I would expect bolter The Might Jrod to lead here from the wide barrier, but with a short run to the first turn, expect Gouldian, Royal Standing, Nozomi, Moonovermanhattan and Lotion to all settle forward.
The clear favourite is the regally-bred Hampton Court, who recorded quick time in a strong Spring Champion Stakes. The leaders went extremely quickly, but the colt was clearly the best stayer. In behind him were First Seal and Sweynesse, who are both Group 1 class.
Moonovermanhattan took out the Vase last week in strong fashion after sitting on the speed. Atmosphere was excellent in the same race and the 2500m is right up his alley, along with Bondeiger, who won well at Caulfield over the carnival. Royal Standing battled on well (best wet tracker if it rains heavily) and San Padre is better suited at Flemington.
The Caulfield Classic was dominated by the fillies, however Firehouse Rock looked the winner at the top of the straight before stargazing. The winkers going on should help correct this issue.
Magicool was only fair, but go on his previous win at Flemington, where he showed a good turn of foot. Light Up Manhattan is a model of consistency and the stable have always had a huge opinion of him. Cuban Fighter was also a sneaky run in an on-pace dominated affair.
Nozomi toughed it out to win at Geelong, while Preferment looked gone at the 800m, before Oliver switched the whip to the left and rocketed home in the last 100m.
Gouldian was scratched last week at Moonee Valley after collecting his maiden at Warwick Farm. His form ties in well around Preferment and he would not be running if they stable weren’t happy with him.
This is a tricky race to line up, but it is too difficult to ignore Hampton Court. The Caulfield Classic looks the best lead up to me, but look for Fontein Ruby to cement the form in the Wakeful earlier today.
Tips:
1. Hampton Court 2. Firehouse Rock 3. Magicool 4. Moonovermanhattan
Sam James
Roar Guru
Oliver and Waller both with two Group 1s today. Class always come to the fore on Derby Day. I'm off to enjoy some sunshine ( if it lasts) but we still have the Myer Classic to come so stay tuned to The Roar!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Hard to believe Preferment debuted at Sandown only 4 months ago. Fontein Ruby was also in that race.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Great run too from Nozomi who was brave. Possibly in the wrong part of the track.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Hampton Court settled too far forward and did not sprint at all.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Great rides from Oliver and Winks there! Chris Waller is some trainer!
Sam James
Roar Guru
1ST - PREFERMENT 2ND - BONDEIGER 3RD - NOZOMI 4TH -LIGHT UP MANHATTEN
Sam James
Roar Guru
Around the bend and Hampton Court leads but Nozomi sweeps past him with Magicool. Here's Preferment with Bondeiger. They hit the line together but Preferment gets it!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Gates are back and racing! They charge out and around the first turn Royal Standing leads with Hampton Court very handy in behind him.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses are being called into line for the Derby. Will Hampton Court stay? Will a maiden take it out for the first time in 20 years? We are about to find out!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses behind the gates for the Derby with money still coming for Moonovermanhattan
Sam James
Roar Guru
Moonovermanhatten into $6.00. He will be up on the pace , which is where all recent Detby winners have settled.
Sam James
Roar Guru
One at odds could be San Padre who has be crying out for the 2500m at Flemington. Mick Kent is a smart trainer.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Bondeiger is one of the more relaxed horses in the yard. He's following the same program as Efficient.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Hampton Court into $2.45 now.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Magicool looking sharp in the yard. Not sure about the Caulfield Classic form after Fontein Ruby failed earlier albeit with excuses.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Nozomi is one of the best from the yard. Struck winning form and has drawn beautifully.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Preferment looks a real dour type but he looks very strong. Waller on fire!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Hampton Court looks great in the mounting yard. First time I've seen him but very impressed. Big win last start and oozes class.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Preferment is at $7.00, Moonovermanhatten at $8.50 and Atmosphere at $9.50 the only other at single figures.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Plenty of money coming for Hampton Court into a clear favourite at $2.50.