The richest race for three-year-old stayers over the autumn takes place at Royal Randwick on Saturday as part of Day 1 of ‘The Championships’, our insider Australian Derby 2018 tips and updated odds on the $2 million feature found below.

Levendi is a genuine place chance in 2018 Australian Derby tipping in Sydney on the weekend. Photo: Steve Hart.

Just three youngsters are under $10 at Ladbrokes.com.au in the latest markets on this year’s Group 1 $2 million Australian Derby (2400m) despite a capacity field engaged for the set weights classic over the mile and a half.

Sitting top of the Australian Derby odds at $4.80 and firming to become the first VRC Derby winner to return in the autumn and win the Sydney equivalent in 24 years is the David Payne-trained Ace High.

Payne has confirmed jockey Tye Angland will take a sit this time around and settle the VRC Derby champ off the speed this time, the horse finally getting up to a suitable distance after four lead-up runs this campaign.

The dangers according to the bookies in the Australian Derby betting markets are Rosehill Guineas third placegetter Furore who boasts the highest Win Rate of the field (80%) and fourth in the same traditional lead-up Vin De Dance ($8.50) who gives co-trainer Murray Baker a shot at a fifth win in the race.

Earlier in the week we published a full Australian Derby 2018 Form Guide & Betting Preview, our exclusive trifecta tip below based on the facts and stats uncovered.

1^st

#2 Vin De Dance ($8.50)

Happy to give the Kiwi NZ Derby winner Vin De Dance another go getting back up to 2400m second-up in Australia. Drawn well in barrier four and is one of four in the mix for last year’s winning stable. The Rosehill Guineas has produced more ATC Derby winners than any other lead-up in the last 20 years and his fourth in that was strong on debut down under. Actually second past the post that day before being relegated to fourth on protest. Not all that many have been up to a mile and a half, so the fact he’s proven himself as a stayer is an advantage.

2^nd

#6 Levendi ($12)

Double-figure quote on Levendi could be considered generous. Peter Gelagotis-trained Pierro colt as the bloodlines of a stayer and gets the chance to prove that stepping-up in distance here. On the short turnaround after winning the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) last weekend and is out to complete the double Jon Snow won last year. Has had the go the Sydney way now so should improve. Drawn barrier three, is the only last start winner in the mix and has a strong 44% Win Rate. If he gets the metres he’s a danger.

3^rd

#1 Ace High ($4.80)

Favourite getting out to 2400m fifth-up in the autumn. Rock hard fit, drawn gate two and will be off the speed closing hard late. Was front runner for his two previous Group 1 wins in the spring, but Payne says this horse has layers and will take the sit. Lead-up sixth in the Rosehill Guineas, better over 2400m, proven up to 2500m having won the VRC Derby in the spring but the double hasn’t been done since Mahogany (1993-94). Soft track in the Guineas, better on firmer ground and gets that here.

Back our ATC Derby 2018 tips or lock in your own selections on the Group 1 event this weekend at the best price through Ladbrokes.com.au.