The Queensland Derby is the first of two Group 1 feature races at Eagle Farm on Saturday!
Won by plenty of outstanding three-year-old stayers throughout its storied existence, 2023 Queensland Derby betting has been dominated by Kovalica this week, who has well and truly built an enormous case for himself.
Have I put him on top? Read on to my 2023 Queensland Derby Tips to find out!
Suggested Bets
- 6 Units straight out #1 Kovalica
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Queensland Derby – Winner
Of course I have!
He really has stamped himself as the standout stayer of this current crop going around in Brisbane, and I think that Kovalica will just win the Queensland Derby.
He stripped fitter with a decent run for third in the Listed South Pacific Classic at Randwick during The Championships, before recording an eye-catching win in the Queensland Guineas here a month ago.
He steps out this week on the short back-up and following a smart run for third in the Group 1 Doomben Cup, and this is a noticeably weaker race than that one.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Kovalica
Queensland Derby – 2nd
Stroke Of Luck was my selection to win the Australian Derby in Sydney last month, and if there is a horse that can put up a fight for Kovalica, I think that it’s him.
The Fastnet Rock gelding finished second in a couple races in town earlier this year before a couple of fair efforts in black type company, and he returned to action with a decent effort for third in the Rough Habit Plate a fortnight ago.
With improvement and getting out to the mile and a half this week, I think he can be in the finish at big Queensland Derby odds! ($18 at publish).
Suggested Bet: No. 9 Stroke Of Luck
Queensland Derby – 3rd
Special Swey was an impressive Rough Habit Plate winner a fortnight ago and takes his place in the Queensland Derby field at full fitness.
The Sweynesse gelding stamped himself as one to watch with a few nice efforts across the ditch earlier this year, but there is no doubt that his first start for Chris Waller at Doomben has his best to date.
With improvement and getting out in trip, he can have an impact again, he just needs some luck from out wide!
Suggested Bet: No. 8 Special Swey
Queensland Derby – 4th
The Vowels is yet to turn in a poor performance, and he strikes his major campaign target this week a picture of health.
Having recorded five race wins in succession, including the Daybreak Lover Stakes fresh from a spell, The Vowels hasn’t since placed in the Queensland Guineas and the Rough Habit Plate.
Under regular hoop Jimmy Orman, he has claims on a first four finish again!
Suggested Bet: No. 2 The Vowels
