Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s $502k South Aussie Derby with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps his South Aussie classic. Good luck!
Morphettville R7- $502k G1 SA Derby (3YO) 2500m
1. SUIZURO (20) x2x1110233
T; Trent Busuttin & Nat Young / J: Opie Bosson (56.5kg)
Good horse. Smart stayer and capable of taking this out. Was made to move a long way from home last start, hit the front in the 2000m Gr 3 and was beaten late but the run really tightened him up. Has placed in the Gr 1 ATC Derby. Big chance here.
2. ABERFELDIE BOY (16) 3243×13
T: Robbie Griffiths & Mat de Kock / J: Craig Newitt (56.5kg)
As a maiden last prep ran 3rd at $101 in the Gr 1 VRC Derby. Likes to stay and ran a terrific race when 3rd in an open handicap last start. It was strong race too and this is 500m further which he loves. Likely to run on hard late.
3. DUNKEL (8) 1211119
T: Pat Payne / J; Billy Egan (56.5kg)
Good stayer and expect him to run home hard. Did that in narrowly winning the Tasmanian Derby over 2200m then last start ran 9th in Gr 2 race but was beaten just 3 lengths. Better suited here.
4. HIGH APPROACH (5) 9x411x0775
T: Dan O’Sullivan / J: John Allen (56.5kg)
Last win was at Flemington in November and not placed in four starts since. Was 5th in the Gr 1 ATC Derby over 2400m last start. Place.
5. RED SUN SENSATION (10) x1325x6361
T: Peter Moody / J: Luke Nolen (56.5kg)
Has talent and is getting a few runs under his belt. Came with a wet sail over 2000m last start to claim the Gr 3 Chairmans here. That’s a good lead-up for this. Has claims. Never far away.
T: Matt Cumani / J: Declan Bates (56.5kg)
Has staying talent and was very strong to claim a Listed race last start as a maiden. Clearly can run on. This is harder but is on the rise.
7. LOCO (15) 1222
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent/ J: Damien Oliver (56.5kg)
Is headed toward having a good staying career and just may shock this mob. Only raced four times but has loads of talent. Run down near home by Red Sun Sensation last start when close 2nd. Fitter now.
8. GOTTABESAVVY (18) 32913×311
T: Trent Busuttin & Nat Young /J: Todd Pannell (56.5kg)
Hard to line up his provincial Victorian form which is pretty handy winning past in gutsy efforts. Goes well in the wet too. This is a rise up in class but he can stay.
9. PROMISES KEPT (9) 80×922911
T: Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace /J: Mark Zahra (56.5kg)
This bloke is an emerging star. Has won past two including Leger Trial last start over 2200m where he as on pace all the way then just ran away. Have in your numbers.
10. AIN’T HE GRAND (17) 410×454
T: Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace / J: Ben Allen (56.5kg)
Handy horse down from NSW where form is just below the top grade for his age. Doesn’t look likely to trouble the placegetters.
11. DUNWOODY (4) 93×851
T: Matt Cumani / J: Jarrod Fry (56.5kg)
Was getting beaten quite easily in provincial maiden grade before ridden to lead and just kept whacking away at $71 to win the 3000m St Leger. Clearly can stay and has place hopes.
12. CAPTAIN PLUTO (1) 19×3251
T: Trent Busuttin & Nat Young /J: Daniel Moor (56.5kg)
Handy stayer getting better with racing but does look at this stage like he’s a length or so below the top ones here. Will finish about midfield.
13. NORTHERN BARRAGE (6) 213623
T: Michael Kent /J: Jason Holder (56.5kg)
Looks to be able to stay and runs on well enough as his placings against a few of these last few starts suggests. But he may find it tough late. Likes to be on pace from the get go which means he’ll be competitive for a good while.
14. RESERVOIR DOG (14) 4423418×21
T: Trent Busuttin & Nat Young / J; Jake Toeroek (56.5kg)
Is another one who seems to have good staying talent but form has been in Victorian provincial races. Has shown that he likes to get back and then run home hard. Did that to win in the mud over 1700m last start. This is harder.
15. PRINCE TIKEA (3) x3131x5397
T: Travis Doudle / J: Dom Tourneur (56.5kg)
Is pretty tough but has just struggle a bit against these better ones in recent starts. Not keen.
16. SHE’S FIT (11) 6×6231132
T: Dan Morton / J; Chris Parnham (54.5kg)
Is top shelf and looks the one all the boys have to beat. She is very fit having won WA Oaks, then placed in the WA Derby before flashing home and unlucky 2nd last start in the Australasian Oaks at 2000m. This looks ideal and should be rocketing home.
17. XTRAREVZ (13) 8x24212x71
T: John Sargent / J: Kerrin McEvoy (56.5kg)
SCRATCHED
18. NIGHTSUN (12) x231464374
T: Robbie Griffiths & Mat Le Kock / J: – (56.5kg)
