Australian Derby Tips - Will the New Zealander do it in the Australian Derby?

Here is our preview of the action

A competitive field of three-year-olds line up for the prestigious race, worth $2 million in prize-money. 

It is the New Zealand raider Willydoit that enters as a narrow favourite, having impressed with four wins in six starts, including a victory in the New Zealand Derby. The son of Tarzino has to do it at the end of a long preparation but the Kiwis have a great record in this race. 

Best of the locals might just be the filly Aeliana, who has shown great form this year, including a near-miss in the Rosehill Guineas. The Chris Waller-trained galloper will be out to to become the first filly to win this race in over a decade. 

The field also includes other strong contenders such as Shanwah, a Victorian gelding on a four-race win streak, and Plymouth, who has shown solid form against top colts.

The Victoria Derby (2500m) winner, Goldrush Guru, a Victoria Derby will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing run. Firm Agreement, who has shown strong late form in recent races. 

Nine horses come out of the Tulloch Stakes (2000m), which was ran at Rosehill on Tuesday. Pocketing took out that race ahead of the unlucky, Firm Agreement.

Tempo could be a bit muddling early on here but they should up the ante reasonably early and we can expect a few moves as the jockeys settle on positions in the run. Format is a noted leader but is one of the five emergencies. Tsitsipas, Goldrush Guru and Confetti Garden might go forward, while Shanwah, Plymouth, Red Aces and Autumn Aroha have been prominent in recent runs. Willydoit settled close in his NZ Derby win and made a big move as they approached the home bend, pushing the button and never looking back.  

Willydoit can claim the New Zealand Derby/Australian Derby double, emulating the feats of Mongolian Khan in 2016. This is a step up but the Shaun & Emma Clotworthy-trained galloper was dominant victory in the New Zealand Derby, overcoming a wide run early on before relishing the 2400m. He has had a month in between runs and has reportedly impressed during his training. The likelihood of a Soft deck should suit. 

Keen to see Plymouth over the 2400m for the first time. The Glen Thompson-trained galloper settled handy in the Rosehill Guineas and was luckless in that Group 1 lead up when held up from the 400m to the 200m before regathering momentum with the second fastest last 200m to place 4th behind Broadsiding, beaten just over a length. The well bred galloper has staying influences on both sides and comes out of the best races for his age group, while he should enjoy the run of the race from barrier 3.