31 October: 5 Horses to Build Your Bank on Derby Day!

Derby Day is a bit like Christmas for punters, with 9 Group races including 4 Group 1s, headlined by the 2020 Victoria Derby (2500m).

However, it’s just the beginning of a marathon Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington, so it’s important not to over race early and blow your bank on day one!

Let’s take a look at a few to fill your pockets on one of the best days of racing each and every year.

Race 2 – Wakeful Stakes – 2000m

Personal is the deserving favourite and it’s hard to be against her here, after putting in big efforts in the Thousand Guineas Prelude and the Thousand Guineas, and looking like she’ll enjoy the 2000m.

One to have on your side from Sydney at double figures is Miravalle, who has been running up against the top class fillies up there and comes through a strong Spring Champion Stakes at 2000m.

Verdict: Backing Personal at $3.20 and Miravalle at $10.

Yankee Rose's half-sister Miravalle holds off a fast finishing Yangtze Rapids in R1 at Warwick Farm for @mark_mnracing and @RachelK11 pic.twitter.com/h58LaRbSEL
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 2, 2020

Race 3 – Linlithgow Stakes – 1200m

Octane looks well off here, well down in the weights and returning to Flemington where the straight track should suit him. Jamie Kah has been in outstanding form, and the only small question mark is the 1200m trip.

Happy to have a bet here and save on the returning Blazejowski, who loves headquarters and is at a nice price.

Verdict: Backing Octane at $2.90 and saving on Blazejowski at $8.

Octane was simply terrific at Flemington. ? pic.twitter.com/GlxkssZpHH
— Racing.com (@Racing) August 8, 2020

Race 4 – Hotham Handicap – 2500m

A golden ticket into the 2020 Melbourne Cup on offer here, with a few still remaining in the order of entry looking to sneak their way in.

Ready to peak here is Admire Robson, who will enjoy the rain staying away and has been building into his prep nicely. Gets a supremely confident Glen Boss onboard, and looks a nice bet at the price.

Verdict: Backing Admire Robson at $5.