Horse Racing

Smart Missile is the most notable omission from the 2011 Victoria Derby nominations released today, connections opting not to enter the talented colt for the classic three-year-olds showdown this spring with the Coolmore Classic on the same day considered the more suitable aim for Anthony Cummings’ speed machine.

Helmet is one of the top-rated 2011 Victoria Derby nominations

Held on the opening day of the coveted Melbourne Cup Carnival, the $1.5 million Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) is set to run at Flemington on Saturday October 29 this year.

Victoria Derby 2011 nominations attracted 83 hopefuls, down four on last year, headline entries including Golden Rose winner Manawanui and Peter Snowden’s dual Group 1 winner Helmet.

Ron Leemon’s Oratorio gelding Manawanui claimed an upset win over Smart Missile in the Golden Rose in Sydney on September 10, and will meet them again in the $1 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 8.

Following the Guineas, Manawanui will continue preparations for the Victoria Derby while Smart Missile will go down a slightly different path and target the $500,000 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) also held on Victoria Derby Day where a clash with fellow spruik three-year-old Sepoy is on the cards.

Meanwhile, Golden Rose third placegetter and fellow Caulfield Guineas fancy Helmet is the other drawcard Victoria Derby nominee, the Exceed And Excel colt to race in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) this Saturday.

Other notable 2011 Victoria Derby Entries Include:

• Rekindled Alliance (Paul Messara): Promising Redoute’s Choice colt is a full brother to last year’s AAMI Vase winner Rekindled Interest, last seen running a close second behind Darci Be Good in the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m) at Newcastle

• Specter (Anthony Freedman): Nadeem colt stormed into contention for the spring with a gritty victory in the Listed Henry Bucks Best Dressed (1400m) at Flemington on September 3, bred to stay making the Derby a genuine grand final option

• Trump (Robert Heathcote): Improving Brisbane galloper won back-to-back at Eagle Farm earlier this season over 1300 metres and 1500 metres before their third over the Doomben mile last Saturday, has class but can they ‘trump’ interstate competition?

• Baron Douro (Patrick Payne): Interesting contender as they haven’t really been tested yet but is unbeaten with two wins from as many starts including their latest over 1400 metres at Sandown on August 24

• Chase The Rainbow (Rick Hore-Lacy): Trainer has a very high opinion of this Caulfield Guineas hope, ran a devastatingly close second to Specter at Flemington last start and races in the Guineas Prelude this weekend where their ability will be better gauged

• Cross Of Gold (David Hayes): Another emerging three-year-old bred to be a star (Redoute’s Choice x They Say), was gallant in defeat when coming from well back to finish second in the Group 3 HDF McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 27, needs to improve more but will get their chance

Last year’s Victoria Derby winner was Kiwi galloper Lion Tamer, a top fancy for the 2011 Melbourne Cup after their big win in the Underwood Stakes last Saturday.

Lion Tamer’s trainer Murray Baker has one Victoria Derby nominee this year in Elusive City gelding Lost World.

Victoria Derby late entries close this Friday, September 23, connections having until midday to pay the $2,200 additional fee.

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2011 AAMI Victoria Derby Early Entries