Australian Derby – 2022

Track: Heavy Weather: Showers.

Twenty-one runners have accepted for the $2,000,000 Group 1 Australian Derby with three of them being emergencies and there have been no early scratchings. The Bjorn Baker stable is saddling up four runners, Maher/Eustace are saddling up three runners, Busuttin/Young, Waterhouse/Bott, Baker/Forsman, and James Cummings are all saddling up two runners whilst the other stables only have one entry each.

Hitotsu is a solid favourite after his massive first-up run in the Australian Guineas. Many thought he wouldn’t be ready to go first-up, but the stable had him ready and with a bit of luck, he ended up saluting. Regal Lion is next in the betting after a slashing second in the Tulloch Stakes at Newcastle on Monday. He brings his New Zealand Derby form to Australia and could be hard to hold out.

Forgot You rounds out the top three in the betting after his third placing in the Rosehill Guineas.

1. Hitotsu (4)

The Victorian Derby from last preparation comes into this second-up after his nice first-up win. Unknown on the heavy but can stay the distance.

2. Alegron (3)

Forgive last run behind Hitotsu as the saddle slipped. Will appreciate the distance though unknown in the heavy.

3. Forgot You (13)

Placed in the Rosehill Guineas last start behind Anamoe. Will need to lift.

4. Castlereagh Kid (12)

Will sit on pace. Was wide without cover at Moonee Valley last start. Unproven beyond 1800m.

5. Regal Lion (10)

Hit the line with purpose in the Tulloch Stakes. On a quick backup. Up to 2400m suits but best runs have been on improving tracks.

6. White Noise (21)

Handles the distance but will need to improve.

7. War Eternal (9)

Ran a credible third in the Alister Clark at Moonee Valley. Unknown at distance but handles the wet and is drawn okay.

8. Character (11)

Quick backup from Tulloch Stakes win. Was a good win off a fast pace. Query on a genuine heavy track.

9. Can’t Go Wong (6)

Ran a nice second in the Alister Clark. Yet to step up to this distance or run on a wet track. Take on trust.

10. Maurice’s Medad (16)

Ran a nice third in the Albury Cup. This looks harder.

11. Raging Bull (15)

Hasn’t shown much this preparation though if it was a dry track, he would be more of a chance.

12. Elzamee (1)

Drawn to run a good race. His run in the Alister Clark was good and it looks like the extra distance and bigger track will suit. Unknown in wet.

13. Zoumon (5)

Can’t have on the quick backup.

14. Clyde (8)

Can’t have on the quick backup.

15. Benaud (19)

Ran tremendously in the Tulloch and gives the indication the extra distance will suit. Drawn wide and will need luck.

16. Footlights (2)

Outclassed.

17. Sea Treasures (17)

Outclassed.

18. Akahata (20)

Outclassed.

19e. Asternishing (18)

Outclassed.

20e. Mediaro (14)

Outclassed.

21e. Lukey Luke (7)

Outclassed.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
12 Elzamee	1 Hitotsu
1 Hitotsu	3 Forgot You
9 Can’t Go Wong	8 Character
5 Regal Lion	15 Benaud