Queensland Derby – 7 June 2008

The $500,000 Group 1 BMW Queensland Derby is a set weight race for three-year-olds over 2400 metres at Eagle Farm.

There is a full field of 20 including 3 fillies and the early favourite is the Bart Cummings trained gelding Moatize. Although beaten by Mission Critical at his last start he is capable of turning the tables, having drawn barrier 8 while Mission Critical starts from barrier 19.

The best of the fillies appears to be Riva San who won the Queensland Oaks last week on a heavy track, although Rathsallagh was not far behind. Petushki and Formula One Racer both fared badly in the barrier draw with barriers 17 and 18 respectively.

Last years the Queensland Derby was won by Empires Choice with Damien Oliver aboard. This year Oliver is on Mission Critical. John Hawkes has trained 4 previous winners of this race and this year his hopes rest with Rainbow Styling who won his last start in great style but this will be his toughest race to date.

Previous winners of the Queensland Derby includeTulloch, Kingston Town, Strawberry Road, Handy Proverb and Rough Habit.

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