Derby Day

HITOTSU winning the 2021 VRC Derby.

Derby Day has always been one of our very finest.

Now, we add a 10m race for elite four-year-olds and things get even more spicy.

The Coolmore has the chance of turning a 3YO into a 20m stallion prospect - unless one of the girls knocks off the boys, just like Sunlight did in 2018.

Filly In Secret will try and emulate Sunlight, as will Moir Stakes winner Coolangatta, who was scratched from the Manikato in preference of this - and drier ground and less lightning.

The Derby looks a beauty, which is a nice change from recent years where things have been light, outside of superstar Hitotsu. Kiwi pair Sharp N Smart and Mr Maestro are standouts whilst Aussie Berkeley Square will lead the charge for the hometown squad.

For the mares, another Kiwi, La Crique, is the market's selection. But she has challengers in Hinged and fellow New Zealander - She's Lickety Split.

Up north, we have the Golden Eagle. With the race launching from $7.5 million to an astronomical $10 million kitty.

Kolding won the inaugural running for Chris Waller, then Godolphin mare Collete won in 2020 before Cox Plate runner-up I'm Thunderstruck won last season's renewal.

This year's bunch is an even and talented group. Finding the winner will be fun...

Here are our selections for Derby Day...

VRC DERBY

JJ - Pericles ($8) TS RATINGS - Muramasa ($14) JIMMY'S BURGERS - Berkeley Square ($3.30)

PRODUCER ROWAN - Sharp N Smart ($3.80)

COOLMORE STUD STAKES JJ - In Secret ($3.70) TS RATINGS - In Secret ($3.70) JIMMY'S BURGERS - Sejarden *place* ($5.50)

PRODUCER ROWAN - Buenos Noches ($7.50)

EMPIRE ROSE

JJ - La Crique ($3) TS RATINGS - Yearning ($21) JIMMY'S BURGERS - Belle Plaisir *place* ($7.50)

PRODUCER ROWAN - La Crique ($3)

GOLDEN EAGLE JJ - Chain of Lightning ($6) TS RATINGS - Hinger ($18) JIMMY'S BURGERS - Chain of Lightning ($6)

PRODUCER ROWAN - Chain of Lightning ($6)

OTHER BEST BETS FLEMINGTON Race One - Number One: TIJUANA ($4.50) Race Five - Number Seven: TURAATH ($5.50)

ROSEHILLE Race Five - Number Nine: MARS MISSION ($3)

Race Seven - Number Two: PRIVATE EYE ($6 - best of the day)