close
close

Damien Oliver – Victoria Derby 2024 Preview and tips

Posted on by Larry
Damien Oliver – Victoria Derby 2024 Preview and tips

A terrible barrier to favorite El Castello really opened this up Victoria Derby.

While the NSW form looks strongest going into the race, El Castello has the outside draw, must back up in a week and travel down from Sydney for his first start in Victoria.

MORE: Melbourne Cup 2024 – Order of entry – Who’s left in the cup?


Justthere’s enough against him with his slim odds to look for value in the race.

I’m very forgiving of Keeneland’s run at Caulfield.

He wasn’t suited to the slow pace and looks like a real keeper.

The extra distance, the bigger course and the prospect of more authentic speed will really play to his strengths.

Red Aces won an easier race at The Valley last week but should get a nice run out of the draw and has a chance.

MORE: Victoria Derby 2024 Full Coverage

The value runners are Polite Thin And Goldrush guru.

Politely, Dun will be the bigger song here compared to The Valley last week and a more authentic pace will involve him. I think he will run a really strong 2500 meters.

Don’t underestimate the South Australian form of Goldrush Guru.

He is strong and an X-factor.

He also comes from a stable that won a Victoria Derby with Rebel Raider and an AJC Derby with Gold Guru, who is related to this guy as his name suggests.

From the stern test of the Derby to the flight of the Coolmore Stud stakes Where Growing empire meets most requirements, but I still have a question.

His runs against the older sprinters in the Manikato and The Everest were great, but he’s had some rough runs and had to travel between states.

I would also prefer him to race down the straight here with the blinders off, because I think he might settle in a bit better.

Does he have another big run in him this campaign?

Traffic controller got scratched off Everest, so will have fresh legs for this Switzerland has received well-timed preparation for a race given by his trainer Chris Waller has a talent for winning.

I’m not surprised that gamblers jumped on the big odds Bellatrix star (currently $8.50 at Ladbrokes) as soon as the markets opened.

I like her strong finishing style, the fact she beat older horses well last time and I see her getting a good lead in the race behind Growing Empire. She is the value.

What a fascinating Golden Eagle we have in Sydney, where runners from Japan (Ascoli Piceno) and France (Lazzat) adds so much to the race.

Ascoli Piceno looks like a weapon and if any horse can conquer such a wide and challenging draw, it could be this filly. She could be something special.

DAMIEN OLIVER’S TIPS

VICTORIA DERBY

TOP PICK: El Castello
VALUE: Goldrush Guru

COOLMORE STUD STAKES

VALUE: Bellatrix star

GOLDEN EAGLE

TOP PICK: Ascoli Piceno

Damien Oliver writes for us courtesy of Ladbrokes.