3 minute read
A look at the Australian Derby - the blue riband for three-year-olds.
THE ATC AUSTRALIAN DERBY
2400m, $2 million, set weights
HISTORY
* First run in 1861 and won by Kyogle, the Derby is firmly established as the No.1 three-year-old Classic in the country.
* Past winners include Grand Flaneur (1880), Poseidon (1906), Gloaming (1918), Heroic (1924), Phar Lap (1929), Peter Pan (1932), Hall Mark (1933), Tea Rose (1944), Tulloch (1957), Silver Sharpe (1970), Classic Mission (1971), Imagele (1973), Dulcify (1979), Kingston Town (1980), Strawberry Road (1983), Bonecrusher (1986), Beau Zam (1988), Research (1989), Naturalism (1992), Mahogany (1994), Octagonal (1996).
* The late TJ Smith holds training honours with nine winners: Playboy (1949), Tulloch (1957), Summer Prince (1962), Summer Fiesta (1963), Prince Grant (1965), Silver Sharpe (1970), Imagele (1973), Great Lover (1976) and Kingston Town (1980).
* Champion jockey Tommy Hales holds the record for riding the most winners: Richmond (1875), Grand Flaneur (1880), Navigator (1882), Bargo (1884), Trident (1886) and Abercorn (1887).
TALKING POINTS
* The Derby has been historically dominated by colts and geldings as most three-year-old fillies contest the Australian Oaks the following week. In the past 27 years Shamrocker (2011) has been the only filly to win. In 1989 champion filly Research won the Derby and the Oaks four days later. The scratching of Frankely Awesome means there are no fillies this year.
* Murray Baker will be looking to enhance his record in the Classic. The New Zealand trainer has tasted Derby success with Nom Du Jeu (2008), It's A Dundeel (2013), Mongolian Khan (2015) and Jon Snow (2017). In partnership with Andrew Forsman, Baker will be represented by Madison County and The Chosen One .
WHAT CONNECTIONS ARE SAYING
"Arrogant has come off a tough campaign and that's got to stand by him especially if we get a bit of rain too because it's going to be a tough mile and a half" - Mike Moroney on Arrogant , one of two runners for the trainer.
"He trialled really well so I think he might actually go a bit better that way. He should be able to take up a spot I reckon, midfield or something, and if he gets the breaks I reckon he'll be right in it" - Declarationofheart's jockey Mark Zahra
"It has been a targeted plan. He's in great order" - Global Exchange 's co-trainer Ciaron Maher
