The Australian Derby is always a fascinating race and there is absolutely no exception to rule in 2021.
Some of the country’s best three-year-old colts and geldings will line up at Randwick’s 2400m start on Saturday afternoon, but it’s the multiple Group 1 winning filly Montefilia who has opened favourite in Australian Derby betting.
Check out my 2021 Australian Derby tips below thanks to bookmaker Neds.
Australian Derby – Winner
There is absolutely no denying Montefilia’s class and ability, nor any arguing with her record, and I think she’ll take a power of beating in the Australian Derby.
The Kermadec filly enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence in the spring and won both the Group 1 Flight Stakes and the Group 1 Spring Champion Strakes before ending her season third in the Kennedy Oaks.
She kept her best work for late when running into sixth in the Surround Stakes when resuming this time and filled the minors behind Mo’unga and Sky Lab over 2000m in the Rosehill Guineas last time out.
Fitter third-up and under the conditions of this race, I can’t find a reason why she won’t be in the finish.
Australian Derby – 2nd
I am a big fan of Lion’s Roar and he can run another bold race in the Australian Derby.
The Contributer gelding was excellent during his spring preparation and went within a whisker of knocking off Montefilia in the Spring Champion Stakes most notably.
He was caught wide, but kept on coming when fifth in the Hobartville Stakes first-up this time before recording an impressive and well-deserved win in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas.
He lost no admirers, myself included, when fourth in the Rosehill Guineas last time out and he is at peak fitness for this contest.
Australian Derby – 3rd
Young Werther is bred to stay all day and the 2021 Australian Derby is his autumn Grand Final.
The Tavistock gelding ended his short debut prep third in the Victoria Derby, and while he hasn’t won in four starts back this time, he has noticeably improved with each.
Getting out to a mile and a half is ideal, he looks to be at peak fitness, and he’ll be given every chance to perform on the short back-up under Tom Marquand.
Australian Derby – 4th
Sky Lab nearly pulled off a big upset when he finished a close-up second behind Mo’unga in the Rosehill Guineas, and he can run another good race in the Australian Derby.
So far, he is the most successful progeny of Real Impact, and he won each of his first two starts back this time, finished fourth behind Yonkers in open company before his impressive Group 1 debut.
He’s obviously untested over a mile and a half, but he was full of running last time and it looks as though it won’t be an issue.
Australian Derby Tips
Suggested Bets
- 3 Units straight out #16 Montefilia
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below