A talented field of three-year-old stayers has been confirmed for Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.
Kiwi raider Dark Destroyer was an impressive winner of the Rough Habit Plate a fortnight ago, and he has opened our favourite in Queensland Derby betting, but he will need to go to another level to knock off some of these.
Queensland Derby – Winner
No. 12 Paternal
Chris Waller will saddle several live chances in the Queensland Derby field, including Paternal.
Paternal failed to beat a runner home in the Tulloch Stakes back in March, but he has since finished fourth in the Frank Packer Plate, and second in the Rough Habit last time out.
He’ll take plenty of improvement into this contest, should relish getting out in trip, and Hugh Bowman rides from a good draw.
Queensland Derby – 2nd
No. 2 Dark Destroyer
He was impressive in the Rough Habit Plate, and I do believe that Dark Destroyer has plenty of his rivals covered in the Queensland Derby.
The Proisir gelding won a couple of nice races in his native New Zealand earlier this prep, and has has improved for three starts since arriving in Australia; running second in the Queensland Guineas prior to his Rough Habit triumph.
He steps out this week in peak order, and I can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish again.
Queensland Derby – 3rd
No. 1 Tutukaka
One galloper who looks a bit of value in Queensland Derby betting is Tutukaka ($26 at publish).
Tutukaka won at Listed level here in Queensland last winter, and crossed the ditch again in spring to win the Geelong Classic, most notably.
He has mixed his performances a little this time, but there is no doubt that he will be far more effective over the Queensland Derby trip, and he adds some real value to our trifecta.
Queensland Derby – 4th
No. 9 Sea Treasures
It would take an enormous, career-best performance, but Sea Treasures has hinted at above-average ability, and the Bjorn Baker polish has proven to be the difference in Brisbane feature races previously!
The So You Think gelding win in Class 1 company at Newcastle back in March, and he ran out of his skin to finish fifth in the Australian Derby, despite being unwanted in the market.
Since then, he’s returned one bad performance and one competitive performance, and he does take his place in the Queensland Derby field in peak order.
Queensland Derby Suggested Bets
- 3 Units straight out #12 Paternal
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below