The horse to beat in the Group 1 Victoria Derby

The Group 1 VRC Derby will be run over 2500m at Flemington on Saturday.

The late Riff Rocket won the 2023 edition, following on from the likes of Manzoice (2022), Hitotsu (2021), Johnny Get Angry (2020) and Warning (2019).

Read our analysis of the race below:

The Victoria Derby can often be a tricky race given its a bunch of mixed-ability three-year-olds getting out to 2500m for the very first time.

Red Aces lands on top after his fighting win in the Group 2 Vase at The Valley last Saturday.

Nick Ryan is searching for his first Group 1 triumph as a trainer and Jamie Mott retains the ride having been on him in all five career starts.

He potentially could end up shorter than the $7 currently on offer.

It’s always prudent to respect any Ciaron Maher runner in a feature staying race so Saint Emilion must be considered.

He won nicely over 2200m in the Geelong Classic last time, backing up a similarly dominant win at Goulburn over a mile prior.

El Castello is favourite for a reason after stringing together four straight wins, but the wide gate (18) is a slight issue.

King Of Thunder next for Group 1 centurion James McDonald and Keeneland can bounce back with more pace in the race.

The chances don’t end there.

Selections

2 - Red Aces
5 - Saint Emilion
1 - El Castello
8 - King Of Thunder
3 - Keeneland

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