South Australian Derby - 2023

2023 South Australian Derby Race Details

Race 7 at Morphettville on Saturday 13th May 2023.

The South Australian Derby is a Group 1 race held at Morphettville racecourse over 2500 metres. It is for three-year-olds and is run under set weights conditions. The total prizemoney is $502,250 this year.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the South Australian Derby page.

South Australian Derby 2023 Preview

Track: Good Weather: Fine

With the early scratching of Impending Link, there are 16 runners and 3 emergencies for the SA Derby with 17 gelding, one colt and one filly. Four of the runners had their last start in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes over 2000m at Morphettville on 29 April, two in the Listed Galilee Series Final over 2400m at Sandown Lakeside on 15 April and two in the Listed VRC St Leger over 3000m at Sandown Hillside on 29 April, while the rest all came via different races. Two runners are sired by So You Think, two by Dundeel and two by Savabeel. Trainers Trent Busuttin & Natalie Yong have 4 runners, while Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock, Matt Cumani and Michael Kent all have 2 runners.

The betting is fairly open and the early favourite is She’s Fit who ran 2nd in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks and is the only filly in the race. Second favourite is Loco who has finished runner-up at his last 3 starts including the Chairman’s Stakes. Third favourite is Promises Kept who won the Bendigo St Leger Trial over 2200m on 1 April . Suizuro was 3rd in the Chairman’s Stakes, while Aberfeldie Boy was 3rd in the Group 1 Victoria Derby over this distance in October. The rest of the runners are currently over $12.

2023 South Australian Derby Runner by Runner

1. Suizuro (20)

Drawn the extreme outside. One of 4 runners for Trent Busutton & Natalie Young (the others are Gottabesavvy, Captain Pluto and Reservoir Dog). He was beaten 0.7 length when 3rd in the Chairman’s after making a move mid-race and paying the price at the end. Will roll forward from the wide gate and is in the mix.

2. Aberfeldie Boy (16)

One of two runners for Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock (the other is Nightsun). He is by So You Think (as is Loco) from a Zabeel mare, so is bred to stay. He resumed for a win at Pakenham before 3rd behind D’aguilar and White Marlin where he was doing his best work through the line. Back to his own age and up in distance he will run well.

3. Dunkel (8)

Won the Listed Tasmanian Derby over 2200m 2 starts back to give him 4 consecutive wins then dropped back in distance in the Group 2 Alistair Clark Stakes which didn’t suit and pulled up lame. Looked good in a recent jumpout and can run a massive race. One of two runners by Dundeel in the race (the other is Bengal Boy). Don’t forget him for the exotics.

4. High Approach (5)

Hasn’t started since 1 April where he ran a huge race to come from last for 3.7 lengths 5th in the Group 1 ATC Derby. John Allen takes the ride and he should come storming home late.

5. Red Sun Sensation (10)

Won the Chairman’s which is the traditional lead-up race for this. Came from well back and was the strongest late. One of the main chances.

6. Bengal Boy (7)

One of two runners for Matt Cumani (the other is Dunwoody). Couldn’t break his maiden status until he stepped up to 2400m and won the Listed Galilee Series Final at Sandown on 15 April. Raced 3 wide and kept finding under pressure so it was a tough win. Place chance.

7. Loco (15)

Was a beaten favourite when he finished 0.3 length 2nd in the Chairman’s but it was a good tough staying contest. Should be in the finish.

8. Gottabesavvy (18)

One of 2 runners sired by Savabeel (the other is Captain Pluto). Won against the older horse last start over 2000m at Ballarat. Will probably go forward from the wide gate and looks as if he will get the distance. Can place.

9. Promises Kept (9)

One of two runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace (the other is Ain’t He Grand). Won a 2200m maiden by 2 lengths then won the 2200m Bendigo St Leger Trial by over 3 lengths. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

10. Ain’t He Grand (17)

Looks tested.

11. Dunwoody (4)

Won the Listed VRC St Leger over 3000m at massive odds last outing. He went to the front early, took control and just kept finding. This race has more depth but a similar ride could put him in the prizemoney again.

12. Captain Pluto (1)

Was strong to the line winning over 2025m last Friday night at Cranbourne. Has the inside barrier and his breeding suggests the 2500m won’t be a problem. Not the worst.

13. Northern Barrage (6)

One of two runners for Michael Kent (the other is Samuel Langhorne). He came from back in the field and ran on for 2nd in the Bendigo St Leger Trial before they sent him forward last start, racing without cover in the Galilee Series Final when favourite and he finished 3rd. Could place.

14. Reservoir Dog (14)

Won over 1700m at Warrnambool on heavy going on 3 May in a 0-64 handicap. This is a big rise in class and distance in less than 2 weeks. Unlikely.

15. Prince Tikea (3)

Battled away for 4 lengths 7th in the Chairman’s last start. Looks outclassed.

16. She’s Fit (11)

The only filly in the race. Won the Listed Natasha Stakes, the WA Oaks and was 3rd in the WA TC Derby over 2400m before travelling to South Australia to contest the Group 1 Australasian Oaks. She came from well back in the field for a close 2nd and would have won in another stride. She carries less weight here and Chris Parnham comes across from WA to ride her. Strong chance.

17e. Xtrarevz (13)

Won a 2200m Class One/Maiden at Scone last outing and although he didn’t beat much he looked impressive. Nice staying type from the John Sargent stable.