Ultra-consistent Kiwi raider Shocking Luck is the firming favourite in Grand Prix Stakes 2017 betting to win the Queensland Derby lead-up at Brisbane’s Eagle Farm Racecourse on Saturday.

Last spring’s Victoria Derby winner Prized Icon is out to return to winning form in the 2017 Grand Prix Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Photo: Steve Hart.

Prepared by Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards across the Tasman, Shocking Luck has his third run down under in the $150,000 Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) on Kingsford-Smith Cup Day.

Drawn in barrier three with Opie Bosson continuing his association with the son of former Melbourne Cup champion Shocking, Shocking Luck comes off a lead-up victory in Doomben’s Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m).

The progressive young stayer had nearly three lengths to spare on his closest rival that run and should be hitting near peak form on the weekend extending out over 2200m.

Looking hard to beat at the roomier Eagle Farm track after proving himself in similar class last start, Shocking Luck has firmed in from $3.90 to $3.20 favouritism in the latest Grand Prix Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au.

The main danger occupying the second line of Grand Prix Stakes betting this Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival at $3.80 is the James Cummings-trained Prized Icon.

Jumping from gate five with Blake Shinn in the saddle, the More Than Ready colt chases his first turf triumph since the impressive two and a half-length victory at Flemington last Melbourne Cup Carnival in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m).

He’s placed in Group 1 company over a mile since and was runner-up last time out over 1400m in Scone’s Inglis Guineas with improvement expected on the weekend.

In a tight market there are three other single-figure hopefuls heading towards the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) over the mile and a half in a fortnight including Order Again ($5.50).

Local trainer Brian Smith prepares the son of Iffraaj who is looking to hold out the interstate visitors and turn the tables on Shocking Luck after running second in the Rough Habit Plate last time out.

He was well-beaten that day, but gets a nice mid-field draw in the rematch and is a top three hope again.

The other best in betting are Black On Gold ($6.50) and Volatile Mix ($9.50) drawn at opposite ends of the field.

Sebring gelding represents Chris Waller and is up in grade after saluting over 1800m in a Benchmark 78 under 59kg at Rosehill Gardens on May 6.

This is a notable class rise, but Waller has thrown him in the mix tipping him to improve the further he extends.

Volatile Mix meanwhile is down in grade and distance after the Darren Weir-trained son of Pentire won the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) in an upset on May 13.

Check out the full Grand Prix Stakes 2017 betting odds below, pricing provided by Ladbrokes.com.au who also have the top futures Queensland Derby markets open ahead of the upcoming Group 1 on Stradbroke Handicap Day.

2017 Grand Prix Stakes Betting