After running the ideal trial for a step up to 2500m on Cox Plate Day over the weekend, the Mick Price-trained Tarzino has tightened his grip on the early Victoria Derby 2015 betting markets for this weekend’s Flemington feature.

Moonee Valley Vase third placed Tarzino is on track for this weekend’s 2015 Victoria Derby and the step up in distance at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

One of four elite level races on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, this year’s $1.5 million Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) still officially has 34 three-year-olds entered fighting for a spot in the capacity 16-starter field.

Headliner of those and dominant favourite in the pre-field Victoria Derby odds at Ladbrokes.com.au, home of Best Tote or SP + 20% on all 10 Derby Day races on Saturday, is Price’s progressive Tavistock colt Tarzino.

The nicely-bred staying type was leading futures Victoria Derby betting even after a seventh to Press Statement in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 10, tipped to improve when stepped out over more distance.

He did that last Saturday at Moonee Valley running a fast-finishing third behind class 2015 Crown Oaks-bound mare Jameka in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) on Cox Plate Day.

Closing hard and fast on the line with Craig Newitt in the saddle, Tarzino did everything expected of a Derby favourite who will thrive over 2500m on a week back-up into the Group 1 this weekend.

He has firmed into a very short $2.50 in the markets for this Saturday’s marquee race, and if successful will be the first Victoria Derby winner to come out of the MV Vase since the Murray Baker-trained Lion Tamer (2^nd in 2010).

Price is yet to saddle-up a Victoria Derby winner but looks a big hope of breaking his duck this spring when Tarzino looks to salute for the punters for the first time since Efficient won in his three-year-olds season back in 2006.

Since then a host of notable upsets have taken place in the Derby including Fiveandahalfstar (40/1 in 2012) and Rebel Raider who won at 100/1 in 2008 when Whobegotyou ran second as the beaten favourite.

There are currently two other single-figure hopes in the early markets for the Derby with Get The Picture ($8) and Kia Ora Koutou ($8.50).

The consistent Stuart Webb-trained Excellent Art colt Get The Picture was last seen running fourth to Sacred Eye in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) on Caulfield Cup Day while Adam Durrant’s Perth raider Kia Ora Koutou is undefeated with a four-from-four record back in WA to date.

Other notable Victoria Derby hopes include the David Hayes & Tom Dabernig-trained Geelong Classic winner Extra Choice ($10), John Moloney’s Husson gelding Pay Up Bro ($10) who ran third in the same lead-up race and Caulfield Guineas – Norman Robinson runner-up Lizard Island ($11).

Final Victoria Derby acceptances revealing the field are out on Wednesday October 28 so stay tuned.

Before then, make sure you have access to the weekend’s hottest racing offers including an Extra 50% on your very first Fixed Odds winner in Races 1 – 5 at Flemington on Saturday by signing up with Ladbrokes.com.au now!