The two best backed runners in the Group One Queensland Derby have been the only two fillies in the race, Shez Sinsational and Heidilicious, both of whom have had their prices cut from $9.00 to $8.00.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said that the two fillies were clearly his worst result in Saturday’s Derby.
“Both horses put in nice runs in the Oaks and the punters obviously think the fillies from is better than the boys,” Sullivan said.
“Punters have shown a lot of confidence recently backing fillies against the boys with Shamrocker very well backed when she won the AJC Derby,”
“The fact that punters have backed these two so heavily should make the others very glad Scarlett Lady isn’t going around in the Derby after the way she dominated the Oaks.
Shez Sinsational raced in New Zealand early in her career and her first and only run so far in Australia saw her finish third in the Oaks.
Heidilicious on the other has not been able to run in the placing’s at either of her Queensland starts after she bombed the start in both the Doomben Roses and the Queensland Oaks.
Stewards forced her to trial during the week and she got out of the gates well thanks to a barrier blanket. Trainer John Sadler has confirmed that a barrier blanket will be used in the Derby to try and help Heidilicious remain calm in the gates.
Graham Rogerson made the decision not to send Scarlett Lady to the Derby, but he still has the reigning favourite in Shootoff.
“Shootoff has been very solid in betting but he is really the only one of the colts and geldings punters have come for.” Sullivan said.
Rogerson has chosen a slightly different path to the Derby, opting to race Shootoff against the older horses instead of the three year olds.
Shootoff won the Frank Packer Plate before beating the older horses in the Lord Mayor’s Cup at Canterbury. At his one and only start during the Brisbane carnival Shootoff finished fourth in the Group One weight for age Doomben Cup.
Shootoff, who will be ridden by Michael Rodd is currently favourite for the Queensland Derby at $3.80.
