It’s one of the Autumn Carnival’s most highly coveted prizes, and another talent crop of three-year-old stayers will chase glory in Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Derby.
Won by many stars of the Australasian turf throughout its rich history, the Australian Derby boasts a cool $2 million purse in 2023, and the likes of Pericles, Sharp ‘N’ Smart and Manzoice are engaged.
You can find my 2023 Australian Derby Tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #15 Stroke Of Luck
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Australian Derby – Winner
John O’Shea saddles up several Group 1 chances on Saturday, and I think that Stroke Of Luck can be crowned the Australian Derby winner.
Stroke Of Luck has only recorded one win from his seven career starts so far, but he has been a model of consistency, and he has continued to race well as the bar has been raised, and as he has gotten further out in trip.
His sixth placing in the Tulloch Stakes last time was better than the result suggested given he was just over a length behind the winner, and I can’t wait to see him out to a mile and a half this week, while the booking of Tom Marquand adds further confidence!
Suggested Bet: No. 15 Stroke Of Luck
Australian Derby – 2nd
He is a Group 1 winner in both Australia and New Zealand, and that is why Sharp ‘N’ Smart has opened favourite in 2023 Australian Derby betting.
The Redwood gelding has recorded six wins and four second placings from his eleven career starts, with the only other result being a credible fourth in Group 1 company.
Having won the Spring Champion Stakes in Sydney before ending his spring prep second in the Vic Derby, Sharp ‘N’ Smart has contested three races back in New Zealand this year, recording consecutive wins in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes and the New Zealand Derby most recently.
From barrier 17, I think he’s a little under the odds, but I have no doubt that he’ll be in the finish all the same.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Sharp ‘N’ Smart
Australian Derby – 3rd
Another Kiwi raider that I thought could win the Australian Derby is the Andrew Forsman-trained Full Of Sincerity.
Full Of Sincerity is another galloper that has recorded only one win since debuting, but he too hasn’t been far away from the winner more often than not, and he filled the minors behind Sharp ‘N’ Smart in the New Zealand Derby.
He arrived in Australia to finish fourth, beaten under a length in the Tulloch Stakes, and the $19 about in Australian Derby betting looks a touch of overs, in my opinion.
Suggested Bet: No. 7 Full Of Sincerity
Australian Derby – 4th
If he doesn’t drift out a fortnight ago, he wins the Rosehill Guineas, and I’m just a little concerned THAT was Pericles’ chance to claim a Group 1.
Regardless, there is no doubt that Pericles has returned to the track an improved horse this time, and he was nothing short of dominant in the Autumn Classic prior to only just missing in the Rosehill Guineas.
He steps out this week in peak order and is drawn well under James McDonald: all massive ticks for his Australian Derby chances.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Pericles
