The four-year-old gelding won his Victoria Derby heat easier than any other runner in the 2012 Victoria Derby and will be looking to do the same tomorrow night.

Restrepo will have to contend with a second row draw when he runs in the 2012 Victoria Derby.

The Art Major colt has won seven of his eight race starts and has earned more than $60,000 in prize money.

Co-trainer Clayton Tonkin believes Restrepo has the best chance of any horse in tomorrow’s 2012 Victoria Derby.

“We’ve had a lot of very good horses come through our place, like Bonavista Bay and Safari, but what he can do is unbelievable,” Tonkin said.

“He’s right up there with them already, and there’s plenty more to come.

“He is exceptional and I wouldn’t be swapping him for anything else in the race.”

The 2012 Victoria Derby will also share it’s program with the $400,000 Group 1 Hunter Cup, the Group 1 Inter Dominion Trotting  Championship Final, the Group 2 Inter Dominion Trotting Championship Consolation Final and the Group 3 Bonanza.

Open an account with Luxbet now in order to receive their “Best of the Best” odds for this Saturday’s 2012 Victoria Derby.

Luxbet are also offering all new customers a bonus bet worth up to $400 when they sign up today, which is why they are our favourite online bookmaker.

Just enter the promo code BONUSBET when you join and you will receive a bonus bet valued at 100% of your initial deposit when you bank between $25 and $400 into your new account.

So open an account now and claim your bonus bet immediately!

The Victoria Derby is one of the most famous races in the country  and the ‘Derby’ brand as a whole represents some of the best racing on the planet.

Just think about it, the Kentucky Derby, the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby and for us, the Victorian Derby.

In 2011 we have an interesting mix going into the race with one horse that stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of class, but by no means a sure thing here.

It could be the history that the Victorian Derby has of producing an upset that see’s Manawanui still in the black with online bookmaker Luxbet.

The 2500m grueling assignment around Flemington can catch out plenty of horses so while Manawanui has easily been the best horse so far, it’s not to say he’ll still be the best horse come this Saturday.

There are plenty of others lining up to knock him off his perch including  Sangster, Sabrage, Induna, Niagara and Eagle Command.

Below is the full final field for the 2011 Victoria Derby as well as barrier positions and jockeys.

This year is only colts and geldings so every horse comes in under the same conditions with 55.5kg.

Markets for the 2011 Victoria Derby are already up with Luxbet so head across there now to take a look.

You can claim a free bet if you’re a new member as well, just put in the code BONUSBET when you make an account.

After that make your first deposit and it will be matched anywhere up to $500!

 2011 Victoria Derby Final Field

He was never quite up with the top class horses during his juvenile career however his racing style and build give a strong indication that he’ll offer plenty more in the future.

Cocky Raider debuted at Kembla Grange in November of last year, winning by a good margin and sealing his spot as a metro runner.

After that he went to Rosehill where he wasn’t quite there though and he went back out to the paddock to start a fresh in 2011.

His first up run of the year came in April where he pushed Do You Think to within a length in the Baillieu Stakes as a massive $26 outsider.

After that it was off to the Fernhill Stakes at Randwick, that too returning a second placed finish just over a length behind Darci Be Good.

He struggled after that in the Champagne Stakes before returning back to Rosehill to finish his campaign with yet another second placed run, this time behind Nobby Snip.

While he’s only had the one win in his career running second behind the likes of Do You Think and Darci Be Good are a great indication of what may await.

All reports are that he’s a noticeable bigger and stronger horse as a three year old and we’ll see just how good he is this Saturday.

Cocky Raider will return in the Ming Dynasty Quality at Warwick Farm across 1400m.

He faces a field of 13 including the likes of Darci Be Good, Fontelina and Sangster.

It will be a real yard stick on whether he’s a genuine Victoria Derby chance in 2011 and he’ll need to be competitive in this race even if it is a first up run.

Corey Brown will ride Cocky Raider this weekend for David Payne and he’s cautiously optimistic about what may await him in the spring.

”He is on his way to the Spring Champion and Victoria Derby and it is the right race for him to start,” Payne said.

”He was a bit immature as a two-year-old and I always thought he would make a stayer, and now we will find out.”

The $1.5 million Victoria Derby (2500m) is the marquee race at Victoria Derby Day this Saturday, which kicks off the highly anticipated and prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Bookmark this site to get exclusive Victoria Derby betting offers from Luxbet, tips, odds updates and the Derby Day results this Saturday!

Scheduled as Race 6, the Victoria Derby is shaping up as a sensational showdown with the Derby betting markets dominated by two runners.

Jim Colan’s AAMI Vase winner Rekindled Interest has opened as the $3.20 favourite at Luxbet, due to jump from barrier eight with Dwayne Dunn aboard, while the Peter Snowden-trained Retrieve is the $3.60 second elect drawn ideally in barrier two.

In brilliant form this spring, Rahy colt Retrieve has had an almost perfect Victoria Derby lead-up with a win in the Gloaming Stakes, second place finish at Group 1 level in the Spring Champion Stakes and then a victory over 2000m at Caulfield in the Norman Robinson Stakes.

Norman Robinson Stakes’ runner-up Almindoro is also backing up in the Victoria Derby, the Steve Richards-trained Redoute’s Choice gelding seeking their maiden win from barrier five and currently paying $9.50.

The only other runner at single figure odds to win the Victoria Derby on Saturday is Digital Fortress at $8.50, the Savabeel gelding facing a tough test from barrier 14.

Other notable three-year-olds in the 2010 Victoria Derby field at generous odds are AAMI Vase runner-up Lion Tamer (barrier 18), the Bart Cummings-trained Kudakulari (barrier 10), Duelled gelding Shootoff (barrier 13), consistent colt Praecido (barrier 12) and the Lee Freedman-trained Smokin’ Joey (barrier six).

The 2010 Victoria Derby is one of nine Group races at Flemington on Saturday making this a meeting for racing purists and punters alike.

So don’t miss out on your chance to back the Victoria Derby winner and get them at the Tote + 20% by signing up at Luxbet now!

2010 AAMI Victoria Derby Field, Barriers & Odds

*Odds correct at time of publication – check Luxbet for updates

Originally 87 runners were nominated for the $1.5 million Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m), set to take place at Flemington on Saturday October 30, meaning 57 horses dropped out of contention for the premier three-year-olds showdown of the season.

Notable absentees from the 2010 Victoria Derby field after first acceptances included one time favourite Altius, and the Peter Moody-trained duo Anacheeva, likely to be spelled ahead of the autumn, and Eclair Surprise.

Winner of the UCI Stakes at Flemington on October 3, Eclair Surprise was another one of the top fancies in the Victoria Derby betting but had to be withdrawn due to injury.

It was a big blow for Caulfield-based trainer Moody, who is now left without a runner in the 2010 Victoria Derby field.

Notable Absentees from 2010 Victoria Derby First Declarations:

• Altius (Tony Vasil)
• Anacheeva (Peter Moody)
• Eclair Surprise (Peter Moody)
• Giresun (Peter Snowden)
• Howddidydoit (Rick Worthington)
• Intencion (Tony Vasil)
• Liveandletdie (Mark Kavanagh)

Following the Victoria Derby first declarations, the clear favourite is the Peter Snowden-trained Retrieve further firming in the SportsBet markets into $2.80.

Other runners now at the top of the Victoria Derby odds are equal $7 second favourites Rekindled Interest and Almindoro, Smokin Joey at $8.50 and $10 chance Digital Fortress.

2010 Victoria Derby Betting Favourites Following First Declarations:

• Retrieve ($2.80)
• Rekindled Interest ($7)
• Almindoro ($7)
• Smokin Joey ($8.50)
• Digital Fortress ($10)
• Cosmonaut ($11)

Odds provided by SportsBet and correct at time of publication.

Retrieve is right on track for the Derby this season after the Rahy colt boosted his career record to four wins from eight starts with a victory in the Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield last Saturday.

Norman Robins Stakes runner-up Almindoro and third placegetter Digital Fortress were the other big movers in the market.

The 2010 Victoria Derby final field of acceptances will be released on October 27 and published here.

To view the full markets and updated odds, head to SportsBet now and lock in your Victoria Derby favourites at the best price in Australia!

2010 AAMI Victoria Derby First Declarations

Eclair Surprise is out to emulate his sire Blackfriars, who won the 1999 Victoria Derby after taking out the UCI Stakes, the same race Eclair Surprise claimed victory in on Sunday.

Eclair Surprise has now moved up the Victoria Derby betting markets at SportsBet while previous favourite Altius has drifted out in the odds

Having just his third career start, lightly-raced colt Eclair Surprise ($13) enjoyed the step up to 1800m in the $150,000 Listed UCI Stakes on Sunday, storming home in a brilliant last-to-first victory to win by a length over Almindoro ($51) with Makybe Diva’s half-brother Shadowofexcellence ($18) a further half length away third.

The hot favourite Altius, also heading towards the $1.5 million Victoria Derby (2500m) on October 30, finished out of the money in fifth.

A post-race report on the Tony Vasil-trained Altius revealed the Redoute’s Choice colt to have “abnormal respiratory noise,” leaving his Derby campaign in doubt.

Before Sunday, Altius was the $5.50 favourite in the early 2010 Victoria Derby betting markets at Sportsbet.

After the race Moody stated the AAMI Victoria Derby was now the main spring aim for Eclair Surprise.

“He’s by a Derby winner in Blackfriars, so that always indicated that he was going to run a trip,” Moody said.

The next step for Eclair Surprise will be the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes over 2000m at Caulfield on October 16, where he will meet with Altius again, before returning to Flemington for the Derby.

Last year the Mark Kavanagh-trained Shamoline Warrior completed the UCI Stakes – Norman Robinson Stakes as Eclair Surprise will attempt to do in a fortnight.

Still green with lots to learn Eclair Surprise, purchased for $65,000 in last year’s Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, has shown plenty of promise having won two of his three career starts for just under $100,000 in prize money.

For the updated Victoria Derby Odds and to jump on Eclair Surprise to win, head over to SportsBet and sign up with the online bookie more Australian punters love to use!

Redoute’s Choice three-year-old Altius was one of 88 Victoria Derby Nominations taken last Tuesday for the $1.5 million feature set to run at Flemington on Saturday October 30 at the first 2010 Melbourne Cup Carnival meeting.

Altius is expected to start as one of the Victoria Derby favourites when odds open at SportsBet

Nominations for the other major three-year-olds classic during the Melbourne Spring Carnival, the $1 million Caulfield Guineas, were also released last week with Altius one of the most notable absentees.

Vasil will now solely focus on the Victoria Derby with Altius, also choosing not to pay up for the colt in the latest Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate declarations.

Altius, a half-brother to multiple Group 1 winners Haradasun and Elvstroem, will likely next race over 1800m this Sunday in the Listed UCI Stakes at Flemington before running in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 16 heading towards the 2,500m Derby.

In other 2010 Victoria Derby news, John Thompson’s Hussonet colt Run For Levi ran a brilliant Derby trial finishing second to Hollowlea in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Run For Levi beat home fellow Derby hopeful, the Peter Snowden-trained Bullbars, both expected to be at the top of the betting markets after the run when odds open at Sportsbet.

Before betting on the Derby begins, take a few minutes to sign up with SportsBet to guarantee you will get the best price on your favourites and enjoy the biggest payouts off your winning wagers!

The $1.5 million Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) is the premier race for three-year-olds during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and is also the first Group 1 feature event of Flemington’s four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Some of the star in-form runners that have already enjoyed this success this spring and are now entered for the 2010 Victoria Derby on Saturday October 30 include the Peter Snowden-trained Retrieve and Peter Moody’s Anacheeva.

Top Entries in 2010 Victoria Derby Nominations:

• Retrieve (Peter Snowden)
• Anacheeva (Peter Moody)
• Praecido (David Payne)
• Altius (Tony Vasil)

Consistent colt Retrieve was earmarked for a Victoria Derby campaign earlier in the spring and proved his potential with a good win in the Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill last Saturday.

Local Flemington-based trainer Snowden also has Newcastle Spring Stakes runner-up Giresun and Bullbars nominated for the Derby.

The other early favourite is Anacheeva after the son of Anabaa scored victory in both the McKenzie Stakes and Caulfield Guineas Prelude over the past month.

Interesting absentees from the list of Derby entrants include Japan’s Break A Theory, Makybe Diva colt Rockstardom, Gai Waterhouse’s star three-year-old Squamosa and Golden Rose winner Toorak Toff targeting other spring features.

Notable Absentees from 2010 Victoria Derby Nominations:

• Break A Theory (JPN) (Hiroshi Miyamoto)
• Rockstardom (Danny O’Brien)
• Squamosa (Gai Waterhouse)
• Toorak Toff (Rick Hore-Lacy)

The 2010 Crown Oaks Field Nominations were also released today in anticipation of the November 4 fillies’ feature.

The early betting markets for both the Victoria Derby and Crown Oaks are due to open at SportsBet by the end of week so take the opportunity to sign up with them today and get ready to win big this spring!

2010 AAMI Victoria Derby Nominations

Al Maher colt Epic Dragon showed his spring potential claiming victory in the Spotless Handicap (1500m), where warm favourite Servant finished fifth.

A winner of two of their four career starts, Epic Dragon was coming off a disappointing 10^th place to Anacheeva in the McKenzie Stakes but showed plenty of improvement on Saturday.

Betting on the 2010 Victoria Derby will open at SportsBet next week following the nominations

Kyneton-based trainer Corstens is now considering a run in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on October 30 for Epic Dragon.

Epic Dragon has already won at Flemington when they took out the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes (1400m) back in April.

Next on the agenda for Epic Dragon is the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) on September 24, the result of which will determine whether Corstens presses onto the Victoria Derby or instead targets the Caulfield Guineas on October 9.

Epic Dragon has been under the training of John Sadler for the past six months as Corstens served a suspension that eased today, the stable’s head training doing wonders with the promising galloper.

Betting markets for the 2010 Victoria Derby will open shortly at Sportsbet with nominations for the three-year-olds classic due to close on September 21.

Following the nomination round, the Victoria Derby final field will then be announced in late October and we will be the first to publish the list of hopeful horses so bookmark this page.

If you want to get in on the early Victoria Derby betting next week the best option is to sign up with SportsBet today who will have the hottest odds on all the spring features this year!

A promising son of Redoute’s Choice, Altius finished a little over a length away from Hollowlea in the Hendry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.

It was Altius’s first look at the famous Flemington track which is home to the $1.5 million Victoria Derby (2500m) on October 30 during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Previously unbeaten at his other two career starts, the consistency of Altius has Vasil looking towards the 2010 Victoria Derby, the richest three-year-olds classic during the spring.

Altius is a half-brother to turf stars Haradasun and 2003 Victoria Derby winner Elvstroem, both also trained by Vasil.

Showing an exhilarating late burst of speed to make up ground and finish hard on the line on Saturday, Altius is sure to improve with a harder ground and is displaying all the attributes of an up-and-coming stayer to watch this spring.

Champion jockey Damien Oliver has been aboard Altius for all three of his starts and is reportedly impressed with the colt’s performances.

Nominations for the AAMI Victoria Derby will close on Tuesday September 21, with other classy three-year-olds also on target for a run in the race including the Peter Moody-trained Anacheeva, Daivd Payne’s colt Praecido and Makbye Diva foal Rockstardom.

The 2010 Victoria Derby is the prime attraction of the opening Melbourne Cup Carnival meeting and provides one of the most exciting betting markets of the spring.

The best horse odds for the race won’t be found at the TAB, but online through SportsBet. With the hottest price on all the contenders and the best range of wagers, there is no better place to enjoy a spring win than at SportsBet!