Gr 1 – Australian Derby

Kiwi Gr 1 winner who has won 4 of his 6 race starts to date, latest when he romped away to claim the NZ Derby this trip. The previous NZ Derby winners always run brilliantly when here for this race so he must be strongly considered.

On his day he is an outstanding stayer. Came from sitting just off pace to easily win the Gr 1 VIC Derby back in Nov. Latest start, was taken to the front from gate rise and had nothing left when Broadsiding swamped him at the 200m. Ridden with patience he should be a much better conveyance here. Likes it damp too.

After finishing hard to narrowly win the Gr 2 Avondale Guineas in NZ over 2100m, he backed up a fortnight later and was a game 2nd to Willydoit in the Gr 1 NZ Derby over 2400m. Solid stayer, in form and runs home hard.

Is the form horse winning his past 4 starts on the bounce latest over 2040m on a soft track in the Gr 2 Alister Clark. Won it easily too. Keeps getting better with racing and this looks ideal. Drawn to get the run of the race.

Past 2 starts have been in Gr 1 races and he’s done well in both, latest when 4th behind the stars Broadsiding and Aeliana in the 2000m Rosehill Guineas. Gives the impression he’ll run this trip right out too. Very fit and deserves to be considered.

Ran good time over a mile to win a Midway then last Thursday at his first go at 2000m, he ploughed through the mud to score from Firm Agreement in the Gr 2. Is very honest and quick back up may suit. The extra 400m is the biggest worry. Place.

Turned in a stunning trial for this when beaten a nostril by Pockets in the Gr 2 Tulloch Stakes on Tuesday over 2000m. Was ridden stone cold being out the back doing no work for the first 1400m, conceding a huge start, then made massive late ground. Is very fit and is ready to pounce.

Another backing up from that tough Gr 2 Tulloch Stakes on Tuesday into this. Made up enormous ground late to grab 3rd. Looks like this trip will suit and is on home track. Big show.

Kiwi stayer who is still a maiden after 8 starts but has placed at Gr 1 level in the NZ Derby 2 starts back. Was making handy ground late on Tuesday in the Tulloch Stakes when 7th. Better suited this trip. Place.

Poorly drawn but may spear from the gates looking for a good place in the run. Is very fit and has champion rider on top. Is also getting better with racing and was a game 2nd to Shanwah in 2040m Gr 2 Alister Clark last start. Should run a decent race.

Dour Kiwi stayer who has saluted just once from 8 starts. Plugged on fairly, beaten 5 lengths when 4th to Willydoit in the Gr 1 NZ Derby. This may test.

Struggling to find form. Did win a Gr 2 over 2040m at The Valley back in Oct with King Of Thunder behind him, but in 4 starts since hasn’t run a place.

Lightly raced and has ability but is badly drawn here. Chased Shanwah home in the Gr 2 Autumn Classic over 1800m then came to Sydney on Tursday and was hitting the line well when 5th to Pocketing in the 2000m Tulloch Stakes. Stepping up to Gr 1 racing at just 5th start over 2400m is a hard ask but has talent.

Tough as nails stayer who has the miles in his legs. Has won his past two starts, over 2400m and 2500m so the trip poses no problem. Likes to race up near the pace. Slight concern is that trhe times he has run to win have been slow. Can run all day though.

Good solid handicap type in his cohort but not sure he is a top tier stayer as yet. Beaten 3 lengths by Pocketing on Tuersday and prior to that fell in to win over 2000m in Canberra. This should test.

Bad draw so probably drops back a bit and has to make ground late. Did that last start when a promising 5th in the Gr 1 Rosehill Guineas over 2000m. Gives the impression the trip helps. Place show.

Looks like developing into a nice type but his Gr 1 run when beaten 8 lengths last start behind Broadsiding was poor. This will test.

Top class filly who gets back and runs on hard. Three runs this time up all in the top grade and has raced very well. Beats Broadsiding home in the Gr 1 Rosehill Guineas in one more bound. Screaming out for this trip and she should be charging home.

Loves the mud and has won 2 of his past 3 starts but they were in out of town races. Should find this a bit tough.

Only win was in a Rosehill maiden over 1500m in Feb. Handy run when 8th on Tuesday to Pocketing but this seems all a bit too rushed for him.

Likes to lead but isn’t very strong late and will get run over here should he get a start.

Bush trained galloper with staying talent. Scored easily over 2150m in Toowoomba Cl 1 before doing same at Scone in a BM 58. Last start ran on for close 3rd. at Wyong on BM 78. This is much harder but can stay.

Looks a handy stayer in the making but is still a maiden after 5 starts. Last start though, at $101, he fininshed hard for 4th to Pocketing in the Gr 2 Tulloch over 2000m. Maybe not this campaign but down the track keep following him.