We will have final-field tips for the New Zealand Derby when it is released three days prior to the running, however, punters can bet into the market around four months before the New Zealand Derby is run. 

Bookmakers offer a comprehensive 2020 New Zealand Derby market with all the major runners covered.

The New Zealand Derby was first run in 1875 and was modelled off the Derby in England. The popularity of the New Zealand Derby has always been strong. 

Run for $1 million, it’s one of New Zealand’s richest races and although it used to run for much more, we haven’t seen a decline in talent. 

Now, horses from Australian are starting to come over and take part. This is mostly due to the rescheduling to March. The New Zealand Derby was formerly run on Boxing Day, but it best suits the three-year-old program to run in March. 

Some of New Zealand’s best have won the New Zealand Derby. Recent winners include Gingernuts, Mongolian Khan, Jimmy Choux and Xcellent. 

That’s not including champions of yesteryear, such as Bonecrusher, Castletown and The Phantom Chance.

The field for the New Zealand Derby won’t be confirmed until late February when NZTR releases the final field, barrier draw and weights. 

The New Zealand Oaks field consists of 18 runners and four emergency runners in case of scratchings. The field is determined by prize money, class and various other handicapping factors. 

Typically, in the New Zealand Derby, favourites run well as it’s easier to identify which runners will see out the distance. 

Exemptions have been made in recent years, however, with 2019 winner Crown Prosecutor paying over 100.00 for the win. 

For the most part, New Zealand Derby winners all pay single-figure odds. It’s a good race for favourite punters and with recent wins including Gingernuts, Mongolian Khan and Habibi, punters have cashed in. 

The Avondale Cup is a good guide for the New Zealand Derby and now that it’s run at Ellerslie, it’s an even better New Zealand Derby guide. 

Punters can livestream the New Zealand Derby at Dabble or bet365. The Australian-based bookmakers shows all Australian and New Zealand racing live and all you need to do is have a positive account balance. 

To live stream the 2020 New Zealand Derby, sign up with Dabble or bet365. 

We will have all barrier draws available when the draw is done during the week of the New Zealand Derby. 

The barrier draw is a big tool used by punters to make their early bets.