The season’s gun three-year-old stayers do battle in the big one at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, our insider Victoria Derby 2017 betting tips and updated odds on the Melbourne Cup Carnival classic detailed below.

Damian Lane rides the Races.com.au team’s tip to win the 2017 VRC Derby – Astoria. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

It is an open affair in markets for the Group 1 $1.5 million AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m), the set weights clash attracting a capacity field set to face off at 3:50pm (AEDT).

Six of the youngsters are under $10 for the win in the latest Victoria Derby odds at Ladbrokes.com.au including the David Payne-trained favourite Ace High ($5.50) coming off the strong Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) win in Sydney.

There are a number of formlines to follow into the race however including the Geelong Classic with the Murray Baker-trained winner Weather With You at $7.50 for the win and the Ladbrokes Classic that Tangled ($6.50) from the Chris Waller stables finished runner-up in last time out.

Earlier in the week we published our comprehensive Victoria Derby 2017 Form Guide & Statistics, our insider tips below based on the facts and stats uncovered.

1^st

#3 Astoria ($9.50)

Market mover backed right in from $15 and think that money trail is well worth following. Still represents great value and looks ready to peak for last year’s winning trainer James Cummings. Was far from disgraced running fifth to Saturday’s favourite Ace High in the Spring Champion when caught wide before the third in the Geelong Classic over 2200m. Track / weight worked against him last time out and still only a length beaten. Back to set weights meets the Geelong Classic winner better and gets the run of the race from barrier one, which has produced more VRC Derby winners in the past 30 years than any other.

2^nd

#2 Tangled ($6.50)

Ultra-consistent colt for Waller has finished runner-up in his latest two. First was a nostril flare off Ace High in the Sydney Group 1 before his second to Cliff’s Edge, a non-acceptor for the Derby, in the Ladbrokes Classic. Hard to know how that form will stack-up last year as the Caulfield showdown was a funny affair, but this galloper is on the improve and has claims to finish in the money again with the right lead-up.

3^rd

#11 Ocean’s Fourteen ($13)

Big run from this lightly-raced Ocean Park colt who is NZ-bred to stay the Derby distance last time out. Backed-up from a maiden win over the Donald mile by nearly three lengths to finish brave second in the Geelong Classic. Will relish the 2500m on Saturday and gets a good run from the barrier. Has upside and is the untapped improver.

Whether you’re backing or sacking our VRC Derby 2017 tips make sure you’ve got access to the best odds online through Ladbrokes.com.au.