Love the Vic Derby! Best Derby in Australia and the heat/final series adds interest!
Royal Verdict I was going to mention as a lay - being first up, but after opening $3.20 and coming into $2.90 I think the smart money has come.
I haven't been through the form yet - they come from everywhere so the heats aren't really a betting proposition for mine - but I like Jadahson from the pole in the first heat. Vladimir the Great will be the interesting runner in that.
Keayang Cullen is the best 3yo we have seen this season as far as I'm concerned (Royal Verdict hasnt raced yet so hard to guage). The Gold Ace has opened $2.10 favourite - if he wins this and draws the front next week the Derby will be his - just has to bring his NZ form. However @ $4.40 and probably more race-night I will be on KC. Watch for Thats So Irish to sneak up from 3 the pegs late and run a place at big odds!
In the third heat Excel Stride will be winning imo. Holds the ace, can lead or hand up to OMM. Sushi Sushi may have to death seat it which isnt really his go - would be a shame if he missed out on qualifying though.
My tip for the final, being patriotic, is Keayang Cullen to beat Royal Verdict and Excel Stride.