Craig Williams has some homework to to do ahead of the Victoria Derby in which he rides outsider Justice Faith.
The non-appearances of two of the early favoured runners, Royal Symphony and Cliff’s Edge, has opened up Saturday’s 2500m Victoria Derby for three-year-olds with the distance an unknown factor.
Williams will pore over the pedigree pages as well as the form to identify the main dangers.
Justice Faith won over 1875m at Kyneton before running a closing sixth in the Geelong Classic (2200m) on October 25.
“I definitely think the Geelong Classic will stand up because this year is a very even race,” Williams said.
“There’s a lot of horses that have got chances and different form references but there’s no stand-out in the race.
“I assume none of these horses have been to the extended trip then you start looking at pedigrees, performances and even maidens as we’ve seen in the past can run very well and this year is no exception.”
Justice faith is by Hinchinbrook out of Testagame whose family boasts Wheal Leisure, fifth in last week’s Geelong Cup, and Temple Of Bel a one-time contender for next week’s Oaks.
Justice Faith is at $41 with his Lindsay Park-trained stablemate Eshtiraak a $21 chance with Kerrin McEvoy to ride.
Spring Champion Stakes winner Ace High is the ruling $5 favourite ahead of Tangled and Main Stage ($6.50).
