Simon O’Donnell – Derby Day Posted on October 27, 2016October 31, 2016 | Posted by Simon O'Donnell Well what a week of racing we have ahead of us! The Flemington Carnival is the highlight of every Spring, finishing with four days of blockbuster racing and on Saturday we kick off with four Group One’s. The two we are going to concentrate on are the Coolmore Stud Stakes and the Victoria Derby. Firstly, the Coolmore Stud Stakes has one of the best fields that I can remember for such an event. It’s absolutely chock full of class, and the classiest of them all will be the Mick Price-trained Extreme Choice. His run against the open-class horses in the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley was nothing short of sensational, and if he brings that form again I think he can win the hotly contested event. Sydney colt Astern from the Godolphin-John O’Shea stable will surely make his presence felt; a lovely specimen and plenty of class to push Extreme Choice to his limits. Also, Star Turn taking on the open-class horses at Caulfield in the Schillaci Stakes last time out showed them all a clean pair of heels, and is my third choice in what is a first class race. The Victoria Derby over 2500m tests the three-year olds to the limit; none of these horses have run over a journey as far in their careers, and the one that seems to have the form and the pedigree to win is the New Zealand visitor Sacred Elixir. His last start victory at Moonee Valley in the Super Vase – albeit he was uncomfortable in running, but was still able to pick himself up on the tight circuit to find the line well enough for victory – will be good enough form to win the Derby on Saturday. So Si Bon, who ran well at Moonee Valley in the same race, will be suited by the wide open spaces of Flemington and I expect him to run on and get a little closer to Sacred Elixir. The James Cummings-trained Prized Icon has been there or thereabouts throughout this preparation and deserves his chance on the biggest stage in the Victoria Derby on Saturday. My SuperPick this week is So Si Bon in the Victoria Derby; I’ll take the 25% Profit Plus option for the place. Good luck punters! Bet Now
Scott Embry’s Thursday Bunbury Preview September 16, 2025 RACE 1 VIVALDA was given a really quiet trial at Belmont Park on 18 August and then went into a strong maiden on debut splitting… Read More
Scott Embry’s Wednesday Belmont Preview September 16, 2025 RACE 1 HASANI and SAAM TIME LUCKY go head to head again, this time with a 1.5kg weight swing in favour of SAAM TIME LUCKY… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Wednesday Bendigo Preview September 16, 2025 Race 1 THUNDERING FALCON hit the line strongly last start and should appreciate Williams taking over. HIGHLAND GORY is fit, consistent and races well here…. Read More
Shayne Williams’ Tuesday Greyhound Best Bets September 16, 2025 MANDURAH Race 4 No. 5 Aussie Brook Looks he’s race to lose, after an impressive qually trial over the 400 back in early August, he… Read More
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview September 16, 2025 Race 1 SHES MY LITTLE GEM (1) trialled up nicely for this and debuts in the west from the perfect draw, looks a suitable race… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview September 15, 2025 Race 1 YOUR KIDDING (5) is a solid performer in short course standing start events as he seems to be much better suited to the… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Monday Greyhound Best Bets September 15, 2025 NORTHAM Race 5 No. 4 Charos Noble Was very good last week winning from this same draw in a a slick 17.27, this race looks… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets September 13, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 4 No. 5 West On Ace He’s stepping up to the half mile trip for the first time, and he gives every indication… Read More
TIPS – Greyhound Jet Set Podcast September 12, 2025 Mandurah Friday David Shortte 6-6 Catch The Feels 7-8 Aston Nero 8-3 Miss Ronnie Mac e/w (Box 356 Novelties) ROVING BANKERS : 3-8 Turk’s Dream… Read More
Weekend Tipsters September 12, 2025 Flemington Saturday Warren Huntly Quaddie 4 7 12 3 6 – 5 1 6 – 3 6 11 7 10 – 4 6 1 Best… Read More
Matt Young’s Saturday Northam Preview September 12, 2025 Race 1 MAJOR TYPHOON (9) returns and is now with Aiden De Campo, his form last prep was solid for a race of this grade… Read More
Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Semi Finals September 12, 2025 FRIDAY Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm Adelaide simply must respond. They cannot afford, even factoring in the unavailability of Izak Rankine, to drop two… Read More