Miewa out to channel spirit of Peter Pan in 2025 Victoria Derby

History could repeat at Flemington this weekend as Miewa prepares to revive the iconic silks once worn by 1930s superstar Peter Pan in the Victoria Derby.

Peter Pan, whose feats rivalled those of Phar Lap, twice won the Melbourne Cup and the race now known as the Champions Stakes — both in 1932 and 1934.

Now, Miewa will carry those same orange and green colours in the 2500m Derby, a story that came about more through chance than planning. “The colours were accidentally bought at a charity auction about 15 years ago,” said breeder Peter Newsom. “Our hands were still in the air when the hammer went down — so we raced in them.”

Miewa, by Maurice and a close relation to 2021 Derby winner Hitotsu, is a genuine contender at $11 after consecutive seconds in the Super Impose Stakes and Caulfield Classic.

Trainer Nick Ryan believes his colt is ready for the big stage. “He’s had the perfect Derby prep. He came through the Caulfield run super and was a bit unlucky. Flemington with a full field will suit him down to the ground.”

Adding to the sentiment, Miewa’s half-brother Justadeel will also carry the famous colours in the The Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day.

“We’re in the game for fun, and we’ve never made a big deal about the colours, but we’re proud of them,” Newsom said. “It would be lovely to see them go past the post at Flemington on Saturday.”

Punters can back Miewa in the Victoria Derby at leading Australian betting sites for the best odds and offers ahead of the Flemington feature.