First day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival shapes as a superb race day
Always one of the most exciting and historic days on the Australian turf is Derby Day at Flemington on Saturday.
We see a G1 Victoria Derby (2500m) with all the form coming out of those 3yo lead up contests rather than any from WFA races. Riff Rocket ($2.50) looks likely to run as the clear favourite with online betting sites but his conqueror Sunsets ($9) will be there. There is also Apulia ($4.50) from the Vase last week and some coming from Sydney like Cap Ferrat ($11).
The G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) shapes as a cracking edition. Can Cylinder ($4.50) get his G1 after being close a couple of times? Or will the others aimed here like King's Gambit ($4.50), Ozzmosis ($9) or Shinzo ($7). Maybe those back in trip like Steparty ($11) and Tiz Invincible ($15) are good contenders.
The mares contest the G1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) it might be close to the best contested of the races. Hope In Your Heart ($5) deserves a big one but Princess Grace ($6), Atishu ($6) and Alcohol Free ($11) are quality. Then those from last week like Wishlor Lass ($11) and Skybird ($11) will be factors.
G2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) fillies chase an Oaks winning trial and runners like Zardozi ($2.25), Amazonian Lass ($8) and Harlow Mist ($6) are right in it.
Then the last chance to make the Melbourne Cup field is via the G3 Archer Stakes (2500m) and there are a few still striving. Ladies Man ($8) from NZ is possibly there along with Magical Lagoon ($15) and More Felons ($6) for Chris Waller.
The newly named G2 The Damien Oliver (1400m) will be definitely a race to watch with the rider himself at his last Derby Day. Horses like Vilana, Chain Of Lightning and Kalino are hopes.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...