THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN DERBY
HISTORY:
* First run in 1861 and won by Kyogle, the Derby is firmly established as the No.1 three-year-old Classic in the country.
* Notable past winners include Grand Flaneur (1880), Poseidon (1906), Gloaming (1918), Heroic (1924), Phar Lap (1929), Peter Pan (1932), Hall Mark (1933), Tea Rose (1944), Tulloch (1957), Silver Sharpe (1970), Classic Mission (1971), Imagele (1973), Dulcify (1979), Kingston Town (1980), Strawberry Road (1983), Bonecrusher (1986), Beau Zam (1988), Research (1989), Naturalism (1992), Mahogany (1994), Octagonal (1996), Starcraft (2004).
* The late TJ Smith holds training honours with nine winners: Playboy (1949), Tulloch (1957), Summer Prince (1962), Summer Fiesta (1963), Prince Grant (1965), Silver Sharpe (1970), Imagele (1973), Great Lover (1976) and the mighty Kingston Town (1980).
* Champion jockey Tommy Hales holds the record for riding the most winners: Richmond (1875), Grand Flaneur (1880), Navigator (1882), Bargo (1884), Trident (1886) and Abercorn (1887).
TALKING POINTS:
* Tommy Smith’s daughter Gai Waterhouse has equalled or bettered many of her father’s achievements but has yet to win the Australian Derby.
Waterhouse has Hampton Court in her attempt to break her duck this year.
* Damien Oliver and James McDonald are the only two jockeys riding this year to experience Derby success. Oliver (Preferment) rode Don Eduardo to win in 2002 while McDonald (Hauraki) was aboard It’s A Dundeel two years ago.
RACE PATTERN
* The likelihood of a rain-affected track will make the 2400 metres an even harder test of stamina.
Gai Waterhouse has said the intention is for Spring Champion Stakes winner Hampton Court to be in a forward position. That is also the intention with Ruling Dynasty but there is some doubt he will run because of a hoof problem.
