The Group 1 $2 million Australian Derby (2400m) is one of four elite level Sydney features running at Randwick this weekend on Day 1 of The Championships, and below we have our insider betting selections and racing tips on the staying classic.

Sharp ‘N’ Smart is a hard to beat favourite in Australian Derby 2023 betting in Sydney on Saturday. Photo: Steve Hart.

The Australian Derby 2023 field features a bumper line-up of three-year-old gallopers out over the mile-and-a-half.

Markets at Ladbrokes.com.au are dominated by last start New Zealand Derby champ Sharp ‘N’ Smart ($3.30) who boasts Group 1 victories both sides of Tasman.

He is out to do the trans-Tasman Derby double and continue the gun run of Kiwi raiders in both the ATC Derby results and the autumn carnival down under this season.

Among the dangers are the likes of Rosehill Guineas runner-up Pericles ($4.40) for Godolphin and the NZ Derby fourth-placed Mark Twain ($7.50).

So, will the favourites get the job done or is there value to be found further down the Australian Derby odds with the likes of Chris Waller‘s Victoria Derby winner from the spring Manzoice ($13) and the Andrew Forsman-trained New Zealand Derby third place-getter Full Of Sincerity ($19) representing the value? 

• The Favourite: #1 Sharp ‘N’ Smart ($3.30 at time of publish) – BET NOW

The Kiwis are dominating down under this autumn and that trend looks set to continue with the talented Sharp ‘N’ Smart back in Australia rock-hard fit off back-to-back wins back home in New Zealand. At his latest he saluted for the 2400m in the Group 1 NZ Derby and is now chasing the cross-Tasman double. Proven at the distance he has Hugh Bowman aboard in Sydney where he won the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) last campaign. Wide alley but time to overcome the draw. He’s a genuine Group 1 stayer with a top strike-rate. If he gets there from the gate he’ll be winning.

• The Danger: #4 Pericles ($4.40 at time of publish) – BET NOW

James Cummings saddles-up the in-form Street Boss gelding Pericles who is fit fourth-up here bringing in some strong form lines. Two back in Melbourne he won the Group 2 Autumn Classic (1800m) by nearly three lengths. Travelled north last start for a second to Lindermann in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m). Lindermann contests the Doncaster Mile against the older horses on Saturday and looks way overs in that. If you like that form then surely Pericles is a chance here. The Rosehill Guineas probably looked more suitable and not sure he’ll run out the 2400m (was eighth in the Vic Derby), but gets his shot from a good gate (6) with J. Mac retaining the ride.

• Best Roughie: #7 Full Of Sincerity ($18 at time of publish) – BET NOW

Another Kiwi over for the autumn riches in Sydney, this Andrew Forsman-trained son of Puccini has been left alone by the punters despite his form around Sharp ‘N’ Smart and benefit of an earlier lead-up run in Australia. He was third in the NZ Derby up in grade as a triple-figure roughie only a length beaten. Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) run at Rosehill last weekend when fourth to Tapildoodledo three-quarters off the winner. Back up to the mile-and-a-half and he is a big chance to surprise a few of these late drawn one on the inside of the favourite with Damian Lane to ride.