Thirteen three-year-olds have been confirmed to line up for the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday; one of four Group 1 feature races on Day 1 of The Championships and a race representing terrific value from a betting perspective.

Gingernuts currently leads 2017 Australian Derby betting markets. Photo: Steve Hart

Gingernuts debuted to Australia for a dominant win a fortnight ago and remains an outright $3.50 favourite in 2017 Australian Derby betting markets with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au.

Gingernuts required a couple of runs to find form upon resuming this time, but the gelding returned to winning form in dominant fashion when he took out the Nicholson Autos BM65 (1600m) on January 30^th.

Making a successful transition to black type company with a smart win in the Group 3 Avondale Guineas (2100m), the Iffraaj gelding mustered an impressive turn of foot late in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) to win the race by close to two lengths.

Having defeated a smart field by close to three lengths in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) a fortnight ago, Gingernuts will relish a return to a mile and a half, but will have to overcome a wide draw.

Inference has so-far received the greatest share of bets for success in the 2017 Australian Derby betting markets; firming into a quote of $4.40 after opening at $5 odds.

Inference stamped himself as a colt to follow through the recent Spring Carnival and while unable to break through for a black type win, finished third in each of the Group 1 Ladbrokes Classic (2000m) and Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) most notably.

Resuming this time for fifth in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m), the So You Think colt stormed home to win the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 4^th, before battling away in the heavy going to finish second in the Rosehill Guineas last time out.

Inference is drawn ideally in barrier 4 and with Tommy Berry in the saddle, and appears as though he is looking for a step up in distance.

Jon Snow debuted to Australian racing for an impressive win in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) last weekend and is the sole occupant of the third line of Australian Derby betting, at a generous $6 quote.

Jon Snow has been a strong and consistent performer for Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman this time in and prior to arriving in Australia, finished third in each of the Group 2 Great Northern Guineas (1600m), Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m), Listed Karaka 3yo Mile (1600m) and the New Zealand Derby.

Open an account and bet with Ladbrokes.com.au to take advantage of the best 2017 Australian Derby odds!