One of the most highly anticipated programs of the year will take place at New Zealand's Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday.
For more racing and sports previews, visit the Ladbrokes Blog.
2024 New Zealand Derby Day features ten talent-rich races, highlighted by the Group 1 NZ Derby which almost always figures as a key form indicator for Australian features like the Rosehill Guineas and the ATC Derby.
Yet to do the form? Don't worry! I've done all the heavy lifting for you below in my complete 2024 NZ Derby Day preview.
RACE 1 - 10:20AM: Barfoot & Thompson 1400m (1400m)
Open race to kick off the program but I am going to have something on Overdrawn, who has already attracted good interest in the market.
Overdrawn has turned in some fine performances at his last few appearances, breaking his maiden at New Plymouth back in December and filling the minors at his last few.
I like that he has been kept fresh for this contest and he can fight out the finish.
RACE 2 - 10:55AM: Shane York Memorial 1600 (1600m)
Wallen takes winning form into this contest and looks well placed to make it two in a row.
The son of Tarzino has finished worse than second just once in his last five trips the races and bounced back from a rare miss with an eye-catching effort over a mile at Te Rapa last time out.
I'm only expecting improvement for that effort and the mile suits again.
RACE 3 - 11:30AM: Vertical Logistics Nathans Memorial (2200m)
We've been with Infer at each of his last two starts, and I don't see any reason to jump off this week.
The Echoes Of Heaven gelding was an east winner over 2000m at Matamata two back before another comfortable triumph over 2200m at his latest.
He's hard fit and my best bet on the program.
RACE 4 - 12:09PM: Auckland Co-Op Taxis 1300 (1300m)
I'm pretty keen on last-star winner Kingfisher again on New Zealand Derby Day.
Kingfisher has continued to improve noticeably with each of three runs back from a break and was rewarded in BM75 company at Te Rapa last time out.
He gets some relief in the weights under a claiming apprentice and is drawn to receive every chance again.
RACE 5 - 12:52PM: Group 3 Hanui Farm King's Plate (1200m)
Bonny Lass is the one to beat in Saturday's King's Plate.
Bonny Lass hasn't missed placing at four runs back from a break and proven too good in the Group 1 Sprint at Te Rapa last month.
This is a drop in class and I can't find a reason why she won't be in the finish again.
RACE 6 - 1:28PM: Group 3 McKee Family Sunline Vase (2100m)
I thought that Vera Rose looked the value in Sunline Vase betting ($7.50 at publish).
Vera Rose was unlucky to only just miss placing in Group 3 company at Trentham back in January after keeping her best work for late, while she was only half a length behind the winner at her latest.
She looks to be in peak order this week and we can have an each way play at the price.
RACE 7 - 2:03PM: Group 3 Mainstream Plumbing Mufhasa Stakes (1400m)
Certainly looks well placed in Group 3 company this weekend.
Certainly has only made four appearances at the races since debuting, but she has stamped herself as one to watch by breaking her maiden at Matamata in December, before finishing within a length of the winner in Group 1 company.
She returned from a short freshen-up to fill the minors at Te Rapa last month and I am confident of further improvement into this race.
RACE 8 - 2:40PM: Rangitoto Classic (1500m)
Pour The Wine is three from three since returning from a break, we've already been with her a couple of times this prep and is another who I am keen to stick with this weekend.
Having comfortably won in BM65 company at her first run back this time, the Telperion mare has since reigned supreme in BM75 company and in a Handicap here at Ellerslie.
She's hard fit and drawn to effect once more.
RACE 9 - 3:15PM: Group 1 NZ Derby (2400m)
Always an exciting contest and always a key form indicator for races like the Rosehill Guineas and the Australian Derby across the ditch!
Orchestral has opened a clear and justifiable $1.40 favourite in NZ Derby betting, and it would take a braver man than me to take her on.
Her preparation has been near faultless, and Orchestral has won each of his last three starts impressively, highlighted by wins at the Karaka Millions and the Group 2 Avondale Guineas at her latest.
The price is too short for me, so I am going to select her as the winner in a Same Race Multi and pump up my odds with Ascend The Throne for Te Akau Racing and Opie Bosson running into the first three.
Same Race Multi selections:
► No. 17 Orchestral (Win)
► No. 2 Ascend The Throne (Top 3)
RACE 10 - 3:51PM: Skycity Horizon 1600 (1600m)
Tough race to end the day from a betting perspective but I am hopeful that Hastobeawinner will live up to his name.
Hastobeawinner has been a model of consistency this time in and was unlucky to only just be denied by a head over 1600m at his latest.
These are ideal conditions again and he can fight out the finish.
