Australian Derby

Race Preview

The AJC Australian Derby is a Group 1 race held every April at Randwick racecourse. It is raced over a distance of 2400 meters and is run under same weight conditions. The race is open to three year olds of any sex and carries a prize purse of $1,300,000.

It is held yearly at Randwick racecourse and is the premier race for 3yo horses during the Sydney autumn carnival. The race is one of the most anticipated races of the autumn and many horses who have been successful in this race often go on to bigger and better things such as the Cox Plate or Caulfield Cup .

It is held on the same day as two other prestigious Group 1 races in the TJ Smith Stakes and Sires Produce Stakes. Only the best distance runners compete in this race so it is usually a tough field, but the set weights conditions will favour the better horses.

Spotting Winners

The first thing to look at is which horses contested the Rosehill Guineas held a fortnight earlier. The majority of winners of the Australian Derby come via the Rosehill Guineas as it is a similar type of race. The Randwick Guineas and Chipping Norton Stakes are also good guides as well, so pay close attention to form from these three races.

Stay clear of picking fillies if possible. Only eight fillies have won in the history of this race, dating right back to 1861. The last filly to win was Research in 1989. Always be sure to look at track and distance form.