The penultimate Group 1 race of the Adelaide Autumn Carnival headlines Saturday’s program at Morphettville, and a classy field of three-year-olds will contest the South Australian Derby.
Delicacy, Russian Camelot and Explosive Jack are but a few of the recent South Australian Derby winners, and Alegron has opened our favourite in 2022 following Tuesday’s barrier draw.
South Australian Derby – Winner
No. 1 Alegron
Yeah, I have. I’m pretty confident that he is just the best horse in the race.
Alegron has returned many pleasing performances since making his debut, and he was unlucky not to strike at the highest level in the spring when second behind Hitotsu in the Victoria Derby.
He has continued to improve with each start and as he has gotten further out in trip this time and he takes his place in the South Australian Derby field at peak fitness following a dominant win in the VRC St Leger.
Damien Oliver rides from a good draw and the horse will take a power of beating.
South Australian Derby – 2nd
No. 3 Jungle Magnate
In my opinion, there is a very clear second pick in the South Australian Derby field – Jungle Magnate.
I actually had a little bet on him at a price in the Victoria Derby in spring and while he didn’t measure up there, there’s no doubt that he has returned a better horse this time.
He has recorded two wins from three starts back this time, and comfortably beat home many of these rivals in the Group 3 Charman’s here at Morphettville a fortnight ago.
He’ll relish getting out over a longer trip, and he looks a touch of overs at South Australian Derby odds of $9 (at publish).
South Australian Derby – 3rd
No. 5 Harleymoven
Harleymoven has owned some impressive performances this time in, and he can return another bold effort in the South Australian Derby.
The Foxwedge gelding returned to winning form with a 4.5 length triumph over 1550m here at Morphettville three starts back, before returning a career-best performance to date when a bullish winner of the Port Adelaide Guineas.
He was accounted for by Jungle Magnate as a clear favourite in the Chairman’s market and I’m not sure he’s capable of turning the tables on that galloper, under these conditions.
South Australian Derby – 4th
No. 6 Detonator Jack
Detonator Jack puts an unbeaten record on the line when he takes his place in the South Australian Derby field, but this is a big rise in class and I am happy to take him on.
The Jakkalberry gelding stamped himself as one to watch with an easy win on debut at Bendigo and he has since recording wins in a couple of better races at Sandown.
Breeding suggests that he’ll love getting out to this trip, but a couple of his rivals have the runs on the board and I am happy to side with them.
South Australian Derby Suggested Bets
- 5 Units straight out #1 Alegron
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below