Signup to Ladbrokes

Races.com.au Favourite Bookmaker!

SPRNGC

Copy Signup Code

Code for tracking purposes only

Chances are you're about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

History continued to be made at Royal Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships with jockey Rachel King becoming the first female hoop to win the 2026 Australian Derby thanks to an effortless three-length romp home by the up-and-coming Bjorn Baker-trained stayer Green Spaces.

Rounding out the elite level races in Sydney on Doncaster Day, the $2 million Australian Derby (2400m) turned into a one-horse act with Street Boss colt Green Spaces ($4.40) gapping his rivals late to break his Group 1 maiden.

“So special, what a great watch, when they are in the zone like that, his trackwork has been in the zone, I was very confident, I couldn’t have him any better going into today,” Baker told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“Every time I looked at him in the box, his coat was great, he is in the zone, his work on Tuesday was great.

“The rain came this morning and I was very confident he was fit enough.”

One event after star filly Sheza Alibi put four lengths on Rosehill Guineas winner Autumn Boy in a Doncaster Mile victory for the ages, that form was further franked with Green Spaces improving on his lead-up second in the Rosehill Guineas to salute in the ATC Derby by a big margin.

“Wasn’t necessarily the greatest thing winning the first race of the day (with Blue Door in the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes) as I thought I might over-race going towards the Derby, but I was able to relax pretty well and throughout the run it was a great watch.”

Given a gun ride by King, Green Spaces posted his first turf triumph of the autumn.

 “Just satisfying, I’ve had some much belief in this horse, the whole team has, they’ve done an amazing job, and Bjorn has just timed it to perfection. Set him perfectly,” King said.

“He’s a beautiful horse and it set up perfectly for him today, I was very confident it would, he just relaxed so well, did everything I asked, a very satisfying win.”

Sitting patiently sixth on the turn for home as last weekend’s Group 2 Tulloch Stakes winner Storm Leopard led the Derby field around, King and Green Spaces came with a charging late run down the outside to flash past his rivals and hit the lead narrowly 150m out from the line.

Green Spaces quickly put the result beyond doubt, racing clear and storming home to put 3.19 lengths on the fast-finishing roughie Dezignation ($151) while Storm Leopard ($4.60) held for third after a tenacious pace-setting run.

“Extraordinary effort off the back up,” jockey Tommy Berry said of the third placegetter.

“The winner was set for the race and won accordingly.

“He has a bright future in the staying ranks. Looking forward to seeing where he ends up.”

For Baker, he was full of post-race praise for King and was quick to declare Green Spaces as the young galloper to watch ahead of the Group 1 $10 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on the first Tuesday of November.

“She’s done so much work for our stable and she delivers, she delivers on the big stage, she rode him perfectly today, it was an exceptional ride. Melbourne Cup – bring it on!” he said.

Early futures markets on the 2026 Melbourne Cup at Ladbrokes.com.au have Green Spaces in from $51 to $26.

2026 Melbourne Cup Odds

2026 Australian Derby Results

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au