The 2025 Victoria Derby runs on Saturday, November 1, at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne and the TAB NZ have the top VRC Derby betting odds and tips!
| 1. Observer (4) J: Mark Zahra 57kg 5x231T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 8. Arcora (11) J: John Allen 57kg 31005T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | ||
| 16. Deal Done Fast (1) J: Daniel Stackhouse 57kg 244T: Matt Cumani | ||
| 13. One Step Closer (2) J: Jye McNeil 57kg x5104T: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | ||
| 6. Providence (12) J: Craig Williams 57kg 60382T: Chris Waller | ||
| 14. Savisanta (3) J: Ben Melham 57kg 2223T: Chris Waller | ||
| 4. Miewa (8) J: Jordan Childs 57kg 44122T: Nick Ryan | ||
| 3. Autumn Mystery (15) J: Blake Shinn 57kg 52211T: Rory Hunter | ||
| 9. O'sheamus (5) J: Kerrin McEvoy 57kg x4613T: John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | ||
| 5. Options (7) J: Harry Coffey 57kg 11315T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | ||
| 11. Engine Of War (9) J: Tommy Berry 57kg 3x127T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | ||
| 2. Highvol (13) J: Jamie Mott 57kg 76402T: Nick Ryan | ||
| 10. Amazake (6) J: Declan Bates 57kg 7x673T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 15. Mcwoody (14) J: Jamie Melham 57kg 15T: Mark Walker | ||
| 12. Matsuda (16) J: Thomas Stockdale 57kg 24814T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 7. Azazel (10) J: Michael Dee 57kg 141T: Mark Walker |
Victoria Derby Info
- 2025 Victoria Derby Date: Saturday the 1st of November 2025
- Track Location: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Distance: 2,500m
- Conditions: 3YOs - Set Weights
- Status: Group 1
- Prize Money (AUD): $2,000,000
- First Run: 1855
- Reigning Victoria Derby Winner: Goldrush Guru (2024)
Discover the thrill of the Victoria Derby with TAB NZ!
As a premier event on the Australian racing calendar, the VRC Derby showcases the best three-year-old stayers in the land.
Get expert tips, analyse the latest odds, and bet with confidence on this prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival race.
Our comprehensive Victoria Derby coverage will guide you through the lead-up, providing valuable insights into the contenders and their chances of victory.
Victoria Derby betting takes place on the time-honoured Victoria Derby race which is held at Australia’s Flemington Racecourse on a Saturday in late October or early November annually.
The Victoria Derby – also called the VRC Derby – always runs on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup which is held on the first Tuesday of November down under.
The Group 1 Victoria Derby is one of Australia’s most popular horse races and has been run and won since 1855 when Rose Of May became the inaugural Victoria Derby winner.
Penfolds currently sponsor the race and so it is officially referred to as the Penfolds Victoria Derby.
What makes the Victoria Derby so special?
The Victoria Derby is known as a stallion-making race with any three-year-old colts notably increasing their future value at stud. This staying showdown is Australia’s oldest classic horse race and attracts the year’s best three-year-olds every season. The Victoria Derby is even older than the Melbourne Cup which was first run in 1861 six years after the inaugural Victoria Derby.
Australian and international racing fans, including those in New Zealand, tune into the world-renowned 2500m showdown every season to see if their bets on the Victoria Derby won!
The Victoria Derby, which gained its elite Group 1 status in 1979, currently offers A$2.17 million in prize money plus bragging rights with jockeys, trainers and owners across the globe all wanting to add their names to the list of Victoria Derby champions.
Bet on the next rising staying star down under and get behind your VRC Derby tips online at TAB NZ!
Victoria Derby Fast Facts
- Last Victoria Derby winner: Goldrush Guru (2024)
- Last filly to win the Victoria Derby: Frances Tressady (1923)
- Only multiple Victoria Derby winner: Fireworks (1867-68) when date changed from November 1867 to New Year’s Day 1868.
- Last New Zealand-trained Victoria Derby winner: Johnny Get Angry (2020)
Victoria Derby tips on which horse will win the next edition come in thick and fast as the countdown to the famous Flemington race heats up.
The Victoria Derby field attracts a line-up of the season’s best three-year-old horses each season with runners coming from stables across Australia and New Zealand.
How many horses can run in the Victoria Derby? The Victoria Derby field has a 16-starter limit plus four emergencies.
Victoria Derby race tips centre on proven young stars that have good lead-up form, horses with previous experience at the famous Flemington racetrack, and three-year-old colts with winning form up to at least 2000m.
The Victoria Derby is a set weights race meaning handicap ratings do not come into the mix. Colts and geldings carry 57kg and the fillies get a 2kg allowance, usually because they are of a smaller frame, and carry 55kg.
The highest-rated horse in the Victoria Derby field dons the number one saddlecloth.
The only other race for three-year-olds held in Australia over 2500m is the Group 1 South Australian Derby run in Adelaide each May over the autumn.
Expert Tips on the 2025 Victoria Derby
Stay tuned for our expert tips and Victoria Derby betting predictions ahead of this year’s Group 1 feature at Flemington.
2025 Victoria Derby Same Race Multi Selections ($27 at time of publish) – BET NOW
- Top 2 – No. 6 Providence
- Top 3 – No. 1 Observer
- Top 4 – No. 7 Azazel
PROVIDENCE (12) looks the value runner Kiwi punters should be watching closely in this year’s Victoria Derby for mine. Trained by Chris Waller — a master conditioner with three VRC Derby wins already to his name — this Wootton Bassett colt surged into contention with a powerful late burst in the Moonee Valley Vase on Cox Plate Day, finishing a close second behind Observer, who now heads the market. It was a massive turnaround from his Gloaming Stakes effort in Sydney, where he never found his rhythm. Back racing the Melbourne way and stepping up in trip, he looked sharper, stronger, and far more at home. Drawn out in barrier 12, he’ll need a touch of luck early, but Craig Williams takes the reins from James McDonald and brings plenty of big-race experience. If he gets cover and produces that same closing speed on Flemington’s roomy straight, he’s got the staying power to run over the top and deliver a Derby upset. At the current odds, he has definite Top 2 appeal.
OBSERVER (4) has emerged as the clear-cut favourite after a commanding front-running win in the Vase. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt by Ghaiyyath took control early, kicked strongly around the turn, and held off Providence with authority — a performance that stamped him as a genuine staying prospect. That run followed a solid third in the Caulfield Guineas and confirmed he’s building nicely into this 2500m test. He’s backing up quickly and chasing a rare double — no horse has completed the Vase–Derby sweep since Efficient in 2006, but he looks poised to end that drought. Barrier four is a big plus, and with Mark Zahra sticking in the saddle, the setup couldn’t be better. He’s fit, confident, and thriving — and if he gets his way up front again, the rest might be left chasing shadows. Kiwi punters looking for a reliable anchor should have him right at the top of their tickets.
AZAZEL (10) is the quiet achiever to consider for Top 4 betting plays. Lightly raced but clearly on the rise, this Mark Walker-trained gelding took a big step forward with his win in the Geelong Classic — a race that often throws up genuine Derby contenders. By Shocking, the 2009 Melbourne Cup winner, he’s bred to stay and looks well suited to the 2500m journey. He’s been building nicely this prep, improving with each run, and now gets the services of Michael Dee again — a rider who knows how to time his run when it counts. At $23 (at time of publish), he’s flying under the radar, but if he continues to progress and handles the rise in class, he could be the one to sneak into the finish and deliver a tidy result for value-focused punters. Definitely one to keep safe in your exotics.
Victoria Derby Tips
Victoria Derby tips on what horse will win the Victoria Derby this year are highly sought after by smart punters and racing fans every season.
When looking at Victoria Derby race tips it is important to consider factors including:
- Are there any young horses in the Victoria Derby field already proven over the distance?
- Who the key Victoria Derby trainers and jockeys are and what horses they have in the Victoria Derby field this year?
- Victoria Derby barrier statistics and where your Victoria Derby betting selections are drawn.
- Victoria Derby horses that come via a lead-up run in the Spring Champion Stakes in Sydney earlier in the spring with interstate form holding up plenty down south in recent years.
How long does it take to know if you placed a winning Victoria Derby race tip? The event itself takes just over 2 and a half minutes for the competing horses to run the testing 2500m trip depending on Flemington track conditions. The Victoria Derby is often the first time a three-year-old will be sent out over the distance making it a bit of an unknown for many connections and punters who have to rely on pedigree and potential when placing their bets on the Derby.
Usually, the official Victoria Derby winner and winning Victoria Derby trifecta are known shortly after unless there is a protest or a photo-finish Victoria Derby result.
– Victoria Derby Tips: Lead-Up Races to the Victoria Derby
What are the best Victoria Derby lead-up races to look at when placing a Victoria Derby bet? Key Victoria Derby lead-up races include the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m), the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) and the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).
The Moonee Valley Vase – Victoria Derby double was last completed by Efficient (2006). The others to do the double are: Plastered (2004), Helenus (2002), Blevic (1994), and Raveneaux (1986).
The Caulfield Classic – Victoria Derby double was last completed by Polanski (2013).
The Spring Champion Stakes – Victoria Derby double was last completed by Ace High (2017).
There are two races that offer a ballot-free ride to the winner into the Victoria Derby field.
Automatic Victoria Derby entry is applied to the successful horses in the VRC Byerley Handicap (1800m) held at Flemington in July and the Penfolds Victoria Derby Trial.
Have any maidens won the Victoria Derby? Notably, three horses to date have broken their maiden status in the Victoria Derby. New Zealand-bred Martini Henry (1883) is the only debutant to win the Victoria Derby at his first ever race start. Fire Oak (1990), Redding (1992) and Preferment (2014) are the other Victoria Derby winners who were maidens.
Victoria Derby Tips: New Zealand Horses in the Victoria Derby
Betting on the visiting New Zealand-trained horses or the Australian-trained but New Zealand-bred horses in the field is popular as Victoria Derby tips favour the proven Kiwi stayers racing down under in the classic.
The latest New Zealand-trained Victoria Derby winner was Johnny Get Angry (2020) and raiders from across the ditch are increasingly dominating Victoria Derby tipping and results.
Looking back over the Victoria Derby history and statistics shows that the last New Zealand-bred Victoria Derby winners are Johnny Get Angry (2020), Tarzino (2015), Preferment (2014), Sangster (2011), Lion Tamer (2010), Monaco Consul (2009), Kibbutz (2007), and Efficient (2006).
Victoria Derby Tips for a Trifecta
Victoria Derby tips for a trifecta cover the first three horses to officially go past the finishing post in the Victoria Derby results.
The horse to finish on top of the Victoria Derby trifecta is your Victoria Derby winner, the runner who outstayed all their rivals and finished in the fastest time.
Placing a Victoria Derby trifecta exotic bet on the race is a great way to add to the thrill and potentially be rewarded with a generous pay-out.
A Victoria Derby trifecta is only successful if the three horses in your bet finish in the exact order you predict. Punters may choose instead to box their trifecta bets on the Victoria Derby to cover more finishing options and increase the chances of winning.
Adding any New Zealand-bred three-year-olds and those off good lead-up runs in Sydney into your Victoria Derby trifecta bet is a top tip as the Kiwis and Sydney runners have an excellent strike-rate in the race.
Key Victoria Derby Statistics and Insights
Place an informed bet on this year’s Victoria Derby by considering the following key statistics and insights:
- Win Rates: Horses with high win rates in similar races are strong contenders for the Victoria Derby. Our VRC Derby betting tips available at the TAB NZ Punters Lounge provide detailed win rate statistics.
- Place Percentages: Evaluate horses with consistent place percentages, indicating reliability and competitiveness. Victoria Derby race tips offer comprehensive data on place percentages.
- Barrier Success Rates: Horses starting from midfield barriers have historically shown a higher success rate in the Victoria Derby.
Bet on the 2025 Victoria Derby race now!
Past Victoria Derby Results
Recent Victoria Derby winners, jockeys, trainers, barriers, and weights carried to victory dating back to the year 2005 are detailed in the below table.
| Year | Winner – Age/Gender
Breeding |
Jockey | Weight (kgs) | Trainer/s | Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOLDRUSH GURU (AUS) 3C AMERICAN PHAROAH (USA) – GLAM GURU (AUS) MEDAGLIA D’ORO (USA) |
JAMIE MELHAM | 57.0 | ANDREW GLUYAS | 13 | |
| RIFF ROCKET (AUS) 3G AMERICAN PHAROAH (USA) – MISSILE CODA (AUS) SMART MISSILE (AUS) |
JAMES MCDONALD | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 5 | |
| MANZOICE (AUS) 3C ALMANZOR (FR) – CHOICE (NZ) MASTERCRAFTSMAN (IRE) |
MICHAEL DEE | 57.0 | CHRIS WALLER | 7 | |
| HITOTSU (AUS) 3C MAURICE (JPN) – LOVE IS FICKLE (AUS) REDOUTE’S CHOICE (AUS) |
J ALLEN | 57.0 | C MAHER & D EUSTACE | 6 | |
| JOHNNY GET ANGRY (NZ) 3G TAVISTOCK (NZ) – LUMINOVA (NZ) ZABEEL (NZ) |
LACHLAN KING | 57.0 | DENIS PAGAN | 5 | |
| WARNING (AUS) 3G DECLARATION OF WAR (USA) – LIVIA (AUS) GALILEO (IRE) |
DAMIEN OLIVER | 55.5 | ANTHONY FREEDMAN | 10 | |
| EXTRA BRUT (AUS) 3C DOMESDAY (AUS) – DOM PERION (AUS) REDOUTE’S CHOICE (AUS) |
J ALLEN | 55.5 | DARREN WEIR | 13 | |
| ACE HIGH (AUS) 3C HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE) – COME SUNDAY (AUS) REDOUTE’S CHOICE (AUS) |
T ANGLAND | 55.5 | DAVID PAYNE | 3 | |
| PRIZED ICON (AUS) 3C MORE THAN READY (USA) – TROPICAL AFFAIR (AUS) DANEHILL (USA) |
G SCHOFIELD | 55.5 | JAMES CUMMINGS | 4 | |
| TARZINO (NZ) 3C TAVISTOCK (NZ) – ZARZINO (NZ) ZABEEL (NZ) |
C NEWITT | 55.5 | MICK PRICE | 10 | |
| PREFERMENT (NZ) 3C ZABEEL (NZ) – BETTER ALTERNATIVE (AUS) FLYING SPUR (AUS) |
DAMIEN OLIVER | 55.5 | CHRIS WALLER | 6 | |
| POLANSKI (AUS) 3C RAKTI (GB) – CITRIUM (AUS) CITIDANCER (IRE) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 55.5 | ROBBIE LAING | 1 | |
| FIVEANDAHALFSTAR (AUS) 3G HOTEL GRAND (AUS) – CRYPTIC MISS (AUS) SNIPPETS (AUS) |
DAMIEN OLIVER | 55.5 | ANTHONY CUMMINGS | 5 | |
| SANGSTER (NZ) 3G SAVABEEL (AUS) – QUINTA SPECIAL (IRE) SPECTRUM (IRE) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 55.5 | TRENT BUSUTTIN | 7 | |
| LION TAMER (NZ) 3C STORMING HOME (GB) – LIONESS (NZ) GENEROUS (IRE) |
HUGH BOWMAN | 55.5 | MURRAY & BJORN BAKER | 14 | |
| MONACO CONSUL (NZ) 3C HIGH CHAPARRAL (IRE) – ARGANTE (NZ) STAR WAY (GB) |
C W BROWN | 55.5 | MICHAEL MORONEY | 1 | |
| REBEL RAIDER (AUS) 3C RESET (AUS) – PICHOLINE (AUS) DEHERE (USA) |
C LINDOP | 55.5 | LEON MACDONALD | 15 | |
| KIBBUTZ (NZ) 3G GOLAN (IRE) – MISSKAP (NZ) KAAPSTAD (NZ) |
CRAIG WILLIAMS | 55.5 | D A HAYES | 6 | |
| EFFICIENT (NZ) 3G ZABEEL (NZ) – REFUSED THE DANCE (NZ) DEFENSIVE PLAY (USA) |
M RODD | 55.5 | GRAEME ROGERSON | 9 | |
| BENICIO (AUS) 3C MORE THAN READY (USA) – MANNINGTON (AUS) DANEHILL (USA) |
N CALLOW | 55.5 | D L FREEDMAN | 11 |
Victoria Derby Betting Info
Victoria Derby betting is open all year round at the TAB NZ.
We offer pre-nomination Victoria Derby betting odds throughout the year that are known as futures Victoria Derby odds online.
All-In Victoria Derby betting markets are then available following the official Victoria Derby nominations taken the Monday of race week.
Betting on the Victoria Derby field is available following final acceptances which close on the Tuesday or Wednesday of race week (Australian time).
Victoria Derby Field & Acceptance Dates
It is crucial to take note of when the Victoria Derby field is out, what time Victoria Derby nominations close and the official Victoria Derby acceptance dates when placing a Victoria Derby bet online as horses may drop out of the race and bets may be cancelled.
The Victoria Derby field features a capacity of 16 horses with 4 emergencies.
See below for the official Victoria Derby field dates for 2025.
- 2025 Victoria Derby Nominations: Close on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 12:00pm (Melbourne time).
- 2025 Victoria Derby Final Field & Barrier Draw: Revealed on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Where can you bet on the Victoria Derby?
The best place to bet on this year’s Victoria Derby race is through the TAB NZ online.
Victoria Derby Odds
Victoria Derby odds and online betting tips on the Victoria Derby are dominated by proven young stayers, Kiwi-bred colts heading towards the event, and Sydney graduates looking to frank the Randwick from in Melbourne.
Where can I find the Victoria Derby odds?
For the latest odds and updates on the Victoria Derby, TAB NZ is your go-to source. They provide real-time odds fluctuations, ensuring you have the most current information to make informed betting decisions. It’s crucial to monitor these odds closely, as they reflect the market’s perception of each horse’s chances, influenced by factors like form, barrier draw, and track conditions.
How to Place a Bet on the Victoria Derby
Want to know how to make a bet on the Victoria Derby? Visit the TAB NZ racing page to access the latest Victoria Derby betting odds and options.
It is simple to learn how to place a bet on the Victoria Derby online.
You can place a Victoria Derby bet online anytime.
There are more ways than ever to get involved in betting on the Victoria Derby.
From seasoned punters analysing form guides to casual racing fans drawn to the excitement of watching the next potential star stallion, the Victoria Derby is a race for everyone.
Whether you’re diving deep into the latest odds, joining a Victoria Derby sweepstake with work mates, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of the spring carnival at Flemington, the Victoria Derby offers it all!
This iconic race showcases Australia’s finest young thoroughbreds and attracts racing enthusiasts from all over the globe.
How to Bet on the Victoria Derby in 2025?
1. Log in or sign-up with TAB NZ.
2. Make a secure online deposit using one of the TAB NZ safe deposit methods.
3. Check out the Victoria Derby betting guide, Victoria Derby form guide and our expert Victoria Derby tips.
4. Choose a Victoria Derby bet to place such as Win, Place, Each-Way or the Victoria Derby Trifecta. There are many more Victoria Derby betting options available so make sure to check out our Victoria Derby betting markets.
5. Select the Victoria Derby horse you want to bet on from the early markets, Victoria Derby nominations or Victoria Derby field.
What are the popular betting markets for the Victoria Derby?
When it comes to betting on the Victoria Derby, there are a number of more popular betting options with punters including:
Exotics: These include Quinella, Trifecta, and First Four, where you predict the specific order of finishers, offering potentially higher payouts but requiring more precise predictions.
Win & Place: Bet on a horse to win or finish in the top places. This is one of the most straightforward and popular betting options.
Each-Way: A combination of win and place bets, providing a safety net if your chosen horse doesn’t win but finishes in the top positions.
What makes betting on the Victoria Derby popular?
The fact that the Victoria Derby is the oldest Australian classic and the leading spring race for three-year-olds held down under make it a must watch and bet on horse racing event.
The Victoria Derby prize money may not compare to the stakes on offer in events like the A$20 million The Everest and A$10 million The Golden Eagle, which are both held in Sydney over the spring, but it remains a highlight of the Australian racing calendar.
Victoria Derby Prize Money
The Victoria Derby prize money is set at A$2,174,385 in total stakes allocated between first to eighth place.
How much does the Victoria Derby winner get?
The winning Victoria Derby horse receives a total of A$1.2 million in prize money. The value of winning the Victoria Derby is far greater for any colts however who are building towards a stud career.
See below for the official breakdown of Victoria Derby prizes on offer from the Victoria Derby winner to the eighth horse to cross the finish line in the official Victoria Derby results.
- First: A$1,200,000
- Second: A$360,000
- Third: A$180,000
- Fourth: A$90,000
- Fifth: A$50,000
- Sixth – Eighth: A$40,000
Conducted by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), the Victoria Derby is one of the leading races at the Flemington track over the esteemed Melbourne Cup Carnival which is the highlight of the wider Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
The Victoria Derby has been won by a host of turf greats including plenty of subsequent Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup winners.
How many international horses have won the Victoria Derby?
No horse from outside of Australia or New Zealand has ever contested or won the Victoria Derby. This is not a reflection of the race’s importance, but is because of the three-year-old age restriction. The Victoria Derby is exclusively contested by Australasian-bred three-year-olds. Due to the Southern Hemisphere’s unique breeding season, these horses celebrate their third birthday on August 1st, making them ineligible to compete against their Northern Hemisphere counterparts, who are still two-year-olds at the time of the race. This creates a level playing field for Australasian horses to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.
How many horses have won the Victoria Derby more than once?
One. Fireworks (1867-68) managed the feat of winning the Victoria Derby twice as a three-year-old when two editions of the event ran in the same season – November 1867 and New Year’s Day 1868.
Victoria Derby race betting traditionally focuses on the locally-trained three-year-olds and graduates out of key lead-up races including the Moonee Valley Vase at The Valley on Cox Plate Day in October.
Victoria Derby history shows two horses have won the Victoria Derby – Melbourne Cup double on successive years when returning to take out the two-mile classic the year after their Derby victory: Phar Lap (1929 & 1930) and Efficient (2006 & 2007).
Notably in 1995 Nothin’ Leica Dane won the Victoria Derby before backing up on the Tuesday to run a brave second as a three-year-old in the Melbourne Cup quinella behind Doriemus.
Lantern was the first horse to win the Victoria Derby – Melbourne Cup double in the same year achieving the rare feat in 1864. He won the Melbourne Cup in the slowest ever recorded time of 3 minutes and 52 seconds.
Horses to do the Victoria Derby – Melbourne Cup double on the same year: Lantern (1864), Newhaven (1696), Trivalve (1927),
Horses to complete the Victoria Derby – Caulfield Cup double on successive years: Elvstroem (2003 & 2004).
Horses to complete the Victoria Derby – Cox Plate double on successive years: Dulcify (1978 & 1979) and Red Anchor (1984 & 1985).
For the best online betting on the Victoria Derby, consider tipping a horse to win both the Victoria Derby and another Group 1 race over the carnival in a spring double!
How many fillies have won the Victoria Derby?
There have been only four fillies to beat home the boys in the Victoria Derby with the girls taking out the opening three editions from 1855-57 before the 1923 win by Frances Tressady.
Frances Tressady was the last filly to win the Victoria Derby in 1923.
Victoria Derby Race Records
What is the fastest Victoria Derby winning time?
Classy chestnut Star Of The Realm ($6.50), ridden by Steven King, flew on a Firm (2) Flemington track to win the 1991 Victoria Derby in a slick time of 2 minutes 33.60 seconds. He beat home Naturalism ($3.25) by two lengths.
Since the redevelopment of the Flemington racetrack the fastest time in the Victoria Derby was set by Fiveandahalfstar who ran 2 minutes 35.92 seconds for his 2012 victory.
Who is the longest priced Victoria Derby winner?
Rebel Raider dually made VRC Derby history with his shock win in 2008 jumping at odds of $101. He was also the first Victoria Derby winner to be ridden by a female jockey with Clare Lindop in the saddle.
What Time Does the Victoria Derby Start?
The Victoria Derby start time is 4:20pm (AEDT).
Victoria Derby Barriers
When is the Victoria Derby barrier draw?
The Victoria Derby barrier draw takes place on the same date as the final acceptances which is always the Wednesday of race week at around 10:00am (AEDT).
The Victoria Derby barrier draw and allocated Victoria Derby gates play a key role for many punters when deciding on what horses to bet on in the big race.
Barriers have historically affected the Victoria Derby results as the distance and make-up of the course with the fairly short run to the first turn being best suited to horses drawn between barriers three and eight.
Notable Victoria Derby barrier statistics to consider when placing your next Victoria Derby bet include:
- Barrier 13 is the latest Victoria Derby winning barrier with Goldrush Guru (2024)
- Barrier 5 has produced four Victoria Derby winners since 2004
- Barrier 2 was the last to produce back-to-back Victoria Derby winners with Hit The Roof (2000) and Amalfi (2001)
- Seven Victoria Derby winners from 2004-2024 jumped from double-digit gates with the latest being Goldrush Guru (13 in 2024)
Victoria Derby Betting Favourites
Favourites in Victoria Derby betting are those horses that jump at the shortest Victoria Derby odds.
Last Victoria Derby favourite to win: Riff Rocket ($2.20 in 2023).
The latest Victoria Derby favourites to salute are: Efficient ($2.40 in 2006), Tarzino ($2.90 in 2015), Ace High ($7 in 2017), Hitotsu ($4 in 2021), and Riff Rocket ($2.20 in 2023).
Between 2006 and 2024 a total of five Victoria Derby favourites have gotten the job done for the punters.
Victoria Derby Form
We offer a complete Victoria Derby form guide and expert analysis on every horse in the Victoria Derby field in addition to insider Victoria Derby racing tips and betting odds.
Our Victoria Derby form guides include:
- Victoria Derby race preview and predictions
- Racing analysis on the event and runners
- Previous runs, barrier trials and lead-up statistics
- Key information on all horses in the race like trainer and jockey form
- Runner commentary
Whether you are just starting out tipping horses in the Victoria Derby or you are an expert Victoria Derby tipster, our form guide gives you all the statistics and information you need to make a smart bet on the Victoria Derby.
How to Read the Victoria Derby Guide
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to interpret a horse’s form and performance indicators when looking at this year’s Victoria Derby form guide:
Barrier Position: Evaluate the horse’s barrier draw and its historical performance from similar starting positions.
Recent Performances: Review the horse’s last few races, focusing on finish positions and the quality of competition faced.
Track and Distance Records: Check the horse’s performance on similar track conditions and distances to gauge suitability.
Jockey and Trainer Stats: Consider the success rates of the jockey and trainer combination, particularly in the Victoria Derby race.
Weight Carried: Analyse how the weight carried in previous races compares to the Victoria Derby as this can impact performance.
Victoria Derby Day Betting
Victoria Derby Day betting is dominated by online Victoria Derby bets, but there are also a host of exciting support races that the TAB NZ offer top Flemington racing odds on.
The Victoria Derby is one of three Group 1 events on the card along with the Coolmore Stud Stakes for three-year-old sprinters and the mares’ only Empire Rose Stakes.
Other Group status Victoria Derby Day races to check out our insider Flemington racing tips for include the:
- Group 1 A$2 million Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m),
- Group 1 A$1 million Empire Rose Stakes (1600m),
- Group 2 A$500,000 The Damien Oliver (formerly the Linlithgow Stakes) (1200m),
- Group 3 A$500,000 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m),
- Group 3 A$200,000 The Vanity (1400m) – formerly held during the autumn,
- Group 2 A$300,000 Wakeful Stakes (1200m),
- Group 3 A$200,000 Rising Fast Stakes (formerly the Chatham Stakes) (1200m), and the
- Group 3 A$200,000 Furphy Sprint (formerly the Begonia Belle Stakes) (1100m).
In Sydney on Victoria Derby Day the action at Royal Randwick Racecourse is headlined by the four-year-olds facing off in the lucrative Group 1 A$10 million The Golden Eagle (1500m). On the Sydney race card also that day is the A$3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) which was formerly known as the Winners Stakes.
Once the Victoria Derby Day racing action is completed at Flemington however don’t tune out! The official Melbourne Cup field and barrier draw are announced live after the last revealing the 24 horses to contest the world’s richest handicap race the following Tuesday. That’s when Melbourne Cup betting really takes off!
Melbourne Cup Carnival
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the biggest of the mini-festivals of racing held in Victoria over the spring in Australia with the four-meeting carnival providing all the best betting opportunities for punters.
Strap in each October and November as Flemington Racecourse comes alive across four days of heart-stopping racing kicking off with VRC Derby Day and headlined by Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday of November.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival race meetings are:
Victoria Derby Day: Racing on the Tuesday before the Melbourne Cup is the day for racing purists with an all-Group race card featuring a triple-shot of elite level racing headlined by the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) for the best young stayers.
Melbourne Cup Day: The biggest and best race day of the year in Australasia! Racing on the first Tuesday of November down under is of course headlined by the ‘Race That Stops a Nation’ – the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) drawing the best stayers from all over the globe.
VRC Oaks Day: On the Thursday after the latest Melbourne Cup winner is revealed it is Ladies’ Day at Flemington with the meeting topped by the three-year-old staying fillies facing off in the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m).
Champions Stakes Day: A huge day is then scheduled at Flemington on the Saturday following the Melbourne Cup with three Group 1 status events attracting all the best spring performers including the card’s marquee event – the Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m).
Get your Melbourne Cup Carnival bets on this spring at the TAB NZ!
Victoria Derby Results
The Victoria Derby results are known when the event takes place on a Saturday in late October or early November, three days before the Melbourne Cup, with the race traditionally running around 4:20pm (AEDT) local time.
You can bet on the Victoria Derby race results nearly all year round with our futures Victoria Derby markets here at the TAB NZ.
Betting on the Victoria Derby results entails picking the Victoria Derby winning horse and we can help you place an informed bet on the Victoria Derby with our Victoria Derby tips and form guide.
Other Victoria Derby results include the winning jockeys, trainers, successful barrier and finishing time.
The complete Victoria Derby finishing order shows what position every horse in the traditional 16-horse field ran.
Some punters even like to place bets on what horse will finish last in the Victoria Derby results!
Victoria Derby exotic results show how all the exotic Victoria Derby bet types resulted like the Victoria Derby Quinella, Victoria Derby Exacta, Victoria Derby Trifecta, and Victoria Derby First Four.
Victoria Derby Jockeys
The Victoria Derby is a coveted race for both horse and hoop. Securing a ride in this prestigious event is a testament to a jockey’s skill and reputation, while winning the Derby at Flemington may be the pinnacle of many careers. As one of Australia’s most historic races, the Victoria Derby attracts top jockeys from around the world, all vying for the ultimate prize.
What jockeys are riding in the Victoria Derby field is determined by the owners and trainers of the horses, and official Victoria Derby jockey announcements are made in the weeks and days leading up to the race.
Jamie Kah is the latest Victoria Derby winning jockey winning aboard Goldrush Guru in 2024.
Hugh Bowman was the last jockey to ride back-to-back Victoria Derby winners with Lion Tamer (2010) and Sangster (2011). Bowman, of Winx fame, boasts a total of three Victoria Derby victories having also guided Polanski to victory in 2013.
Who is the most successful Victoria Derby jockey?
Bobbie Lewis holds the Victoria Derby jockey record having won the race an awe inspiring eight times with 27 years spanning between his first and last victories which he achieved aboard Maltster (1900), Hautvilliers (1901), Sylvanite (1904), Alawa (1908), Wolawa (1912), Carlita (1914), Furious (1921), and Trivalve (1927).
Clare Lindop aboard 100/1 roughie Rebel Raider was the first female jockey to take out the Victoria Derby followed in 2024 by Jamie Kah on Goldrush Guru.
Stay tuned to the TAB NZ racing blog to see what jockeys lock in a confirmed ride on one of the 16 Victoria Derby horses this spring.
Victoria Derby Trainers
The latest Victoria Derby winning trainer was Andrew Gluyas with Goldrush Guru in 2024.
One of the inaugural inductees into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2001, James Scobie is the most successful Victoria Derby trainer of all time having prepared an impressive eight winners. Scobie also trained four Melbourne Cup champions over his career. Scobie’s Victoria Derby wins came with: Maltster (1900), Hautvilliers (1901), F.J.A. (1903), Sylvanite (1904), Alawa (1908), Wolawa (1912), Trivalve (1927), and Hua (1937).
In the modern era the most successful Victoria Derby winning trainer since 1983 preparing three champions of the classic staying race is Lee Freedman with Benicio (2005), Portland Player (1996) and Mahogany (1993).
Bart Cummings was known as the ‘Cups King’ having prepared a record 12 Melbourne Cup winners, seven Caulfield Cup winners, and five Cox Plate winners. He is also the second most successful Victoria Derby trainer of all time with seven victories.
Interestingly, four generations of the Cummings’ racing family have won the Victoria Derby. Jim Cummings won with Comic Court in 1948, Bart Cummings won eight times, Anthony Cummings won with Fiveandahalfstar in 2012, while in 2016 James Cummings became the fourth generation to do so with Prized Icon.
Who was the first female trainer to win the Victoria Derby?
Gai Waterhouse was the first ever woman trainer to prepare a Victoria Derby winner in 1995 with Nothin’ Leica Dane.
Victoria Derby Winners
Iconic Victoria Derby winners throughout history include:
Lantern (1864): First three-year-old to complete the Melbourne Cup – Victoria Derby double in the same year.
Newhaven (1896): Did the Victoria Derby – Melbourne Cup double and set a record in the latter when carrying 7st. 13lb to a six-length win in the two-mile classic – the most weight a three-year-old carried to victory in the Melbourne Cup.
Poseidon (1906): Australian Racing Hall of Famer whose three-year-old season included wins in the Caulfield Cup where he set a then race record time, Melbourne Cup, Victoria Derby and Sydney’s AJC Derby.
Phar Lap (1929): One of the most famous racehorses of all time, the New Zealand-bred hero with a giant heart who entered the history books as the shortest-priced Melbourne Cup favourite to win at 8-11 (A$1.72) in 1930.
Comic Court (1948): Record breaking galloper who went on to take out the Melbourne Cup race two years later in 1950 with 59kg on his back in a then record time.
Tulloch (1957): One of Australia’s greatest stayers this New Zealand foaled champ was trained by the mighty TJ Smith and won the Caulfield Cup the same year as his Victoria Derby triumph.
Red Anchor (1984): New Zealand-bred galloper whose 1984 spring carnival down under was enormous with him completing the Caulfield Guineas – Cox Plate – Victoria Derby treble.
Nothin’ Leica Dane (1995): was a legendary Australian racehorse who captured the hearts of the nation. Winning the 1995 Victoria Derby as a three-year-old, he followed up with a remarkable second-place finish in the Melbourne Cup just three days later, solidifying his status as one of Australia’s greatest ever racehorses. Also, the first Victoria Derby winner trained by a female (Gai Waterhouse).
Efficient (2006): the great grey who won the following year’s Melbourne Cup race.
Rebel Raider (2008): Leon Macdonald-trained marvel who remains the longest-priced Victoria Derby winner in history ($101) and the first to be ridden by a female hoop (Clare Lindop).
Bet on the next Victoria Derby winner with our comprehensive Victoria Derby form guide and expert Victoria Derby tips at the TAB NZ!
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