2011 AJC Australian Derby Preview & Tips

2011 AJC Australian Derby Preview & Tips

The $1,500,000 Group 1David Jones 150^th AJC Australian Derby over 2400 metres is the feature event on a 9 race program at Randwick that has three Group 1 races, two Group 2’s and four Group 3‘s. This is the second consecutive week of all Group racing in Sydney. There is a field of 14 three-year-olds with only one filly – the ultra-tough Shamrocker. Last year the sire High Chaparral had three runners in this race and they ran the trifecta (Shoot Out, Monaco Consul and Descarado). This year there are no progeny by High Chaparral but there are four Redoubte’s Choice runners – Light Brigade, I Think I Do, Shadowofexcellence and Ducarius.

Runners in the 2011 Australian Derby at Randwick

Jimmy Choux ($2.10) has a career record of 10 wins and 5 places from 17 starts. He has won his last 5 races in a row, including the NZ Derby over 2400 metres then the Rosehill Guineas over 2000m at his first appearance in Australia. He can handle dead, slow or heavy going, has won over the distance and has drawn barrier 1. If he wins he will be the first horse since Bonecrusher in 1984 to win both the New Zealand Derby and the AJC Australian Derby. Has fantastic acceleration and is one of the top chances.

Shamrocker ($6.50) is shaping up as a solid staying filly. She won the Australian Guineas at Flemington in early March before running 3^rd to Jimmy Chouox and Retrieve in the Rosehill Guineas. She will be ridden by Glen Boss again and should be one of the first horses past the post.

Retrieve ($7.50) has had 4 wins and 6 places from 13 starts. He ran 2^nd to Jimmy Choux in the Rosehill Guineas and then was a disappointing 6^th in the Tulloch when favourite. He will get the distance as he ran 3^rd in the Victoria Derby in October. Drawn wide in barrier 12.

King Gladiator ($12) is the least experienced horse in the field with only 5 race starts. His only win was a three-year-old maiden at Hawkesbury where he won by 6 lengths. His latest start was a solidly run 5^th to Fast Clip in the 2000m Tulloch.

I Think I Do ($13) has finished his last 2 races off strongly. These were over 2040 and 2000m, and the 2400m should suit him very well. Will make his presence felt.

Masquerader ($16) has run some nice races and has a career record of 2 wins and 2 places from 9 starts. Has not really shown any staying ability so far.

Light Brigade ($16) was 3^rd in the Randwick Guineas then 4^th in the Rosehill Guineas and is nicely drawn in barrier 2.

Jo’s Tips – AJC Australian Derby

1. Jimmy Choux,  2. I Think I Do,  3. Shamrocker

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