South Australian Derby – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a capacity field of 16 plus 3 emergencies for the 2024 Thomas Farms South Australian Derby with 15 geldings, 2 colts and 2 fillies. Eight of the runners had their last start in the Group 3 SAJC Chairman’s Stakes over 2000m at Morphettville on 27th April (won by Bold Soul), three in the Listed Galilee Series Final over 2400m at Caulfield on 6th April (won by Gold Wolf) and two in the Listed VRC St Leger over 2800m at Flemington on 25th April (won by Ahuriri), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by justify and two by Crowded House. Trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) have 3 runners and Pat Carey & Harris Walker have two.

The betting is fairly open. The early favourite is Coco Sun who was a close 3rd in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks over 2000m at Morphettville last Saturday. Second favourite is Warmonger who came from last for 1.1 lengths 5th in the Chairman’s Stakes last week. Third favouritism is shared between Antrim Coast who was a close runner-up in the Galilee Series Final and Bold Soul who won the Chairman’s Stakes. Ahuriri was the winner of the VRC St Leger on Anzac Day. All other runners are currently $17 or longer.

1. Antrim Coast (6)

Was a close runner-up in the Listed Galilee Series Final over 2400m at Caulfield on 6th April (won by Gold Wolf) after winning the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes over 2040m at Moonee Valley on 23 March and being runner-up in the Group 1 NZ Derby over 2400m  on 2nd March. Can be in the finish.

2. Sunsets (3)

Unplaced in all 4 runs this preparation. Unlikely.

3. Air Assault (13)

Finished 0.6 length 3rd in the Group 3 SAJC Chairman’s Stakes over 2000m at Morphettville on 27th April (won by Bold Soul) after winning the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas over 1800m  2 weeks earlier. Should go well.

4. Bold Soul (12)

Won the Chairman’s Stakes beating several of his rivals in this race and looks as if this longer distance will suit. Genuine chance.

5. Gold Wolf (1)

Won the Galilee Series Final where he was powerful late. Would be no surprise to see him in the finish.

6. Glad You Think So (15)

Led until the final 150m where he was winded and finished 3rd to Riff Rocket in the Group 1 ATC Derby on 6th April. Not the worst.

7. Warmonger (14)

Came from last for 1.1 lengths 5th in the Chairman’s Stakes last week with the best final sectionals. One of the main chances.

8. Outovstock (18)

New Zealand runner who is a last-start winner of a Group 3 over 2100m at Trentham. Chance.

9. A Samurai Mind (5)

Has 2 wins and a place from his 4 starts, but this is much harder than anything he’s been in before.

10. Shinjuku (2)

Finished 1.5 lengths 7th in the Chairman’s Stakes. Rough place chance.

11. Just Berrilliant (7)

The most lightly-raced horse in the field with only 3 starts. He went from a Pakenham maiden win to 2nd in the Group 3 Chairman’s. Don’t dismiss.

12. Tulsa King (17)

Ran 4th in the Chairmans, but has a horror barrier.

13. Steel Blaze (8)

Prefer others.

14. Warialda Warrior (16)

Made some ground late in the Chairmans where he finished 8th. Not the worst.

15. Coco Sun (10)

One of the 2 fillies in the race. Was a close 3rd in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks over 2000m at Morphettville last Saturday, after back-to-back wins at Sandown and Bendigo. Rates well and gets Jamie Kah.

16. Ahuriri (11)

Filly from the Chris Waller stable. She was the 2.3 length winner of the Listed VRC St Leger over 2800m at Flemington on 25th April. Should be in the finish.

17e. Zakouma (4)

Ran 4th in the Galille Series Final. Still a maiden but shows staying potential.

18e. Maputo (19)

Ran 5 length 5thbehind Ahuriri in the VRC St Leger. Prefer others.

19e. Just Explosive (9)

Still a maiden. Not here.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
16 Ahuriri
7 Warmonger
15 Coco  Sun
5 Gold Wolf

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	15 Coco Sun
2nd	7 Warmonger	1.3 lengths
3rd	3 Air Assault	2 lengths
4th	1 Antrim Coast	3.7 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 17e. Zakouma, 18e. Maputo, 19e. Just Explosive.