One of the feature races at Eagle Farm this Saturday is the Queensland Derby (2400m), where the market says it is an open race.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for 2026 Queensland Derby.
2026 Queensland Derby Runner Preview:
1. Kilman: Kilman had conditions to suit in the Rough Habit but even allowing for that, I thought he was impressive from the front, leading throughout and gave nothing else a look in. He’ll be out of trouble near the speed and only run well.
2. One Step Closer: Awful in the Rough Habit. He’s cast.
3. Different Gravy: Even money chance off his Spring deeds. Off this prep, he’s $101 and that could be unders.
4. Providence: He’s teasing but I don’t think he’ll run 2400m. He was good late in the Rough Habit but was held and now has to run an extra 400m. I want to be against him.
5. Options: Horrendous ride last week at Ipswich and was never a winning factor. Think he’s sneaky flying but the draw makes it very hard.
6. Beauty Swift: Flattered by the pattern in the Rough Habit and don’t think he can replicate that run here.
7. Monopolistic: Ridden stone cold and was impressive late at Gosford, albeit up against a bunch of walkers. Big test here but 2400m looks ideal and has the Waller polish.
8. Southern Prince: Solid in the Rough Habit but I have others ahead of him.
9. Amazake: I am interested at odds in Amazake. I thought the ride in the SA Derby was quite negative and was good late on a testing track. The trip will be no issue and if this track can dry right out, I think he’s well and truly in play.
10. O’Sheamus: If he drew a gate, he’d be in with a shout, but the draw says to me he’s cast.
11. Defendent: Plain in the Rough Habit and can’t entertain him.
12. Accidental Bid: I don’t think he’s as good as what some have made out, but a clear forgive in the Rough Habit. Maps much better, trip is fine…he’s in the mix.
13. Buthelezi: Has done a good job since arriving from WA but I don’t have him as a contender.
14. Falcon Lair: Trip no issue but the class is.
15. Michaelangelo: Very wary of him because he looked a Derby horse when with Chris Waller. He’s been with Dean Mirfin for a couple of runs and each time has won impressively. 2400m is fine, Nash on…a win wouldn’t shock.
16. Chillies: Similar to Options, horrendous ride at Ipswich. Maps much, much better. One for exotics.
17. Inspired Legend: Not up to these.
18. Solid Gold: Solid Gold is going to take beating. Wide barrier meant the Rough Habit was essentially a barrier trial for her but loved the way she closed off her race. She’ll eat up 2400m and with a half positive ride, I think she’ll only run well.
19. Certify (First Emergency): Was okay in the Rough Habit but looks outclassed.
20. Castello Grande (Second Emergency): Not up to these.
21. Contingency (Third Emergency): Outclassed.
22. Valiant Sun (Fourth Emergency): Pass.
23. Eynesbury (Fifth Emergency): Nice horse but not up to these.
2026 Queensland Derby $100 Betting Strategy:
$50 Win Solid Gold, $10 Win/$40 Place Amazake
Group l Strategy Outlay: $6900
Group l Strategy Return: $4927
2026 Queensland Derby Speed Map
Kilman led throughout in the Rough Habit and suspect he will hold a forward spot from the inside gate. Southern Prince should hold a decent position from the inside gate, while drawn well also, they could give Different Gravy a dig in the ribs.
Queensland Derby Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KILMAN (NZ) | Chris Waller | Ryan Maloney | 3 | 57kg |
| 2 | ONE STEP CLOSER | Tom Charlton | Ben Thompson | 20 | 57kg |
| 3 | DIFFERENT GRAVY | Henry Dwyer | Mark Zahra | 5 | 57kg |
| 4 | PROVIDENCE | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 8 | 57kg |
| 5 | OPTIONS | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Tim Clark | 19 | 57kg |
| 6 | BEAUTY SWIFT | Matthew Smith | Kerrin McEvoy | 22 | 57kg |
| 7 | MONOPOLISTIC (NZ) | Chris Waller | Ben Melham | 17 | 57kg |
| 8 | SOUTHERN PRINCE | Annabel & Rob Archibald | Tom Sherry | 1 | 57kg |
| 9 | AMAZAKE | Ciaron Maher | Ben Allen | 16 | 57kg |
| 10 | O’SHEAMUS | Tom Charlton | Ethan Brown | 23 | 57kg |
| 11 | DEFENDANT | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 11 | 57kg |
| 12 | ACCIDENTAL BID (GB) | Ciaron Maher | John Allen | 6 | 57kg |
| 13 | BUTHELEZI | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Luke Nolen | 13 | 57kg |
| 14 | FALCON LAIR | Annabel & Rob Archibald | Adam Hyeronimus | 15 | 57kg |
| 15 | MICHELANGELO | Dean Mirfin | Nash Rawiller | 14 | 57kg |
| 16 | CHILLIES | Grahame Begg | Jordan Childs | 2 | 57kg |
| 17 | INSPIRED LEGEND | Les Bridge | Ms Jamie Melham | 12 | 57kg |
| 18 | SOLID GOLD (NZ) | Roger James & Robert Wellwood | Tommy Berry | 18 | 55kg |
| 19e | CERTIFY (NZ) | Paul Shailer | 7 | 57kg | |
| 20e | CASTELLO GRANDE | Robert Heathcote | Brad Rawiller | 9 | 57kg |
| 21e | CONTINGENCY (NZ) | Ben Hull | 4 | 57kg | |
| 22e | VALIANT SUN (NZ) | Liam Howley | Daniel Moor | 10 | 57kg |
| 23e | EYNESBURY (NZ) | Chris Waller | 21 | 57kg |
Queensland Derby Odds
