The Queensland Derby meeting will be held at Eagle Farm this Saturday (29th May). The course proper was rated a Good 4 on Thursday and with fine weather in Brisbane leading up to the weekend, Eagle Farm will be racing on a Good track on raceday.
The winner of the Fred Best Classic at Eagle Farm gets ballot exemption for the Stradbroke Handicap and Victorian visitor Ayrton is the standout candidate to claim that spot (Brisbane Race 3, 1400m). This 3YO gelding is unbeaten winning all three career starts. Ayrton debuted in December at Bendigo before taking out a BM70 Handicap at Caulfield, winning both races by big margins. Resuming three weeks ago, Ayrton took out an open handicap over 1200m easily and has proven that he is still untapped. Nicely drawn in barrier 6 and regular rider Jamie Kah will once again be on board. Ayrton will sit outside likely leader Apache Chase and he is going to prove too good for this field.
Explosive Jack’s stablemate Let’s Karaka Deel could well be the one who’s going to upset the favourite in the Derby (Brisbane Race 7, 2400m). Let’s Karaka Deel has been in good form this preparation with three consecutive 2nds including his last start’s runner-up performance in the Group 1 South Australian Derby. The Dundeel 3YO has shown his staying potential last Spring when he was beaten just over two lengths in the Victoria Derby. And he is ready to peak being 4th up on Saturday. With reasonable pace in the race, Ben Allen is going to put Let’s Karaka Deel to sleep mid-field on the fence from barrier 3. Let’s Karaka Deel will be given every chance to take out the Queensland Derby.
Class mare Savatiano looks the horse to beat in the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (Brisbane Race 8, 1300m). The Godolphin-owned 6YO has been racing very consistently at WFA Group 1 level. Savatiano won the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes two starts back before being nosed out by Kolding in the All Aged Stakes (1400m). Dropping back to 1300m will suit as she has a mighty record of six wins and four placings from ten starts at the trip. Hugh Bowman is likely to sit just behind likely leaders Savatoxl and Jonker and Savatiano will prove too strong at the finish.
By Owens Wong, Editor
