Victoria Derby

Race Preview

The Victoria Derby is a Group 1 event held annually at Flemington racecourse in late October. It is regarded as Australia’s premier staying event for 3-year-olds. It is the feature event on what is the first day of the Flemington Carnival and also includes three other Group 1 races in the Myer Classic, Mackinnon Stakes and Coolmore Stud Stakes. The Victoria Derby is held over a distance of 2500 metres and open to 3-year-olds at set weights conditions, carrying prize money of $1.5 million.

The race has a very prestigious history dating back to 1855, and was upgraded to Group 1 status in 1979 and it is Australia’s oldest classic. There are many important lead up races to analyse for the Victoria Derby. The Caulfield Guineas has been the best form guide producing 18 Derby winners, while the Stutt Stakes has produced 8 winners, Cox Plate 6 winners and AAMI Vase 5 winners. The Victoria Derby has produced 12 Melbourne Cup winners, such is the quality of this race. Simply click the race links to view this year’s winners. The race has been dominated by males throughout history, with the last female to win being Frances Tressady in 1923.

Form trainer James Scobie is the leading trainer when it comes to Derby winners with 8, while Bart Cummings is the leading current trainer with 6. Bobby Lewis is the leading jockey with 8 wins, with Damien Oliver the current leading jockey with 3. The form that both Cummings and Oliver have so far this Spring Carnival, you’d be mad to discount them in this year’s race.

Previous Victoria Derby Winners