Chances are you're about to lose.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Overview
This page was last updated on October 20, 2026
The 2026 Victoria Derby runs on Saturday October 31, 2026, at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival offering $3 million in prize money.
- Race Date: 31/10/2026
- Race Status: Group 1
- Race Conditions: 3YOs - Set Weights
- Race Venue: Flemington, VIC
- Prize Money: $3,000,000
- Distance: 2500m
Victoria Derby 2026 Odds
| 1. True Rebel | ||
| 2. Vallice | ||
| 3. Enchilada | ||
| 4. King Snitz | ||
| 5. Cignetti | ||
| 6. Diameter | ||
| 7. True Tone | ||
| 8. Frank Whisper | ||
| 9. Kosaji | ||
| 10. Mindgames | ||
| 11. Mister Whiskers | ||
| 12. Murshidi | ||
| 13. Russian Rock | ||
| 14. Skua | ||
| 15. Wonka | ||
| 16. Cormier | ||
| 17. Stormy Marco | ||
| 18. Lepolo | ||
| 19. Scarole | ||
| 20. Cold Shower |
The Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious race for three-year-old stayers, standing as the ultimate test of stamina, class, and staying potential during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. First run in 1855, the Flemington classic has launched the careers of countless champions and remains one of the most coveted prizes for owners, trainers, and jockeys chasing Group 1 glory. Contested on Victoria Derby Day at headquarters, the race attracts the season’s leading staying colts, geldings, and fillies from across Australia and New Zealand, with many earning their place through established lead-up races such as the Moonee Valley Vase, Spring Champion Stakes, and Caulfield Classic. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Victoria Derby 2026, including the latest Victoria Derby odds 2026, Victoria Derby betting 2026 updates, field information, form guide, barrier draw, tips, results, and market movers. As one of the most important Group 1 races of the spring, the Victoria Derby offers punters a fascinating staying contest where emerging stars are made and future champions often announce themselves on racing’s biggest stage.
2026 Victoria Derby Results
The Victoria Derby 2026 Results will be announced here naming which horse is the Victoria Derby 2026 winner and the full 2026 VRC Derby finishing order when the event takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- 1st: TBD
- 2nd: TBD
- 3rd: TBD
- 4th: TBD
Winning Margin: TBD
Winning Time: TBD
Victoria Derby Tips
Stay tuned for the Races.com.au form analysts’ expert Victoria Derby 2026 tips, predictions and best bets on this year’s edition of the $3 million classic.
Don’t forget to also check out all the information on which horses to back and sack in this year’s classic on our Victoria Derby tips page, a guide to using the Derby form and history to uncover the season’s Victoria Derby winner.
Victoria Derby News
The Victoria Derby is one of the best classic races held at Flemington Racecourse as part of the prestigious and highly anticipated Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
This 2500m staying race, run on a left-handed turf course, takes place on the first day of the first of the four Melbourne Cup Carnival meetings each year on the Saturday before the famous Melbourne Cup. A Group 1 event for three-year-olds at set weights, the race is worth over $3 million and takes place in late October or early November.
The 2021 Victoria Derby form was franked with the winner Hitotsu returning the following autumn to complete the interstate Group 1 Australian Guineas – Australian Derby double in 2022. The 2021 VRC Derby runner-up Alegron also ran third in the Australian Derby results the following year and placed fourth in the 2022 SA Derby that season.
The 2022 VRC Derby form was franked with the runner-up Sharp ‘N’ Smart heading across the Tasman to win the 2023 NZ Derby before a fourth in the ATC Derby in 2023. Aberfeldie Boy meanwhile ran third in both the Victoria Derby (2022) and SA Derby (2023) as a three-year-old.
The 2023 Victoria Derby winner Riff Rocket franked the form the following autumn enjoying plenty of 2024 success including claiming Sydney’s Group 1 Rosehill Guineas – ATC Derby double!
Punters can study the form of the horses in the traditional prep race to the Derby, the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day the weekend before. This lead-up event has been an excellent indication for the Victoria Derby in recent years, with many Derby winners coming via this middle-distance race.
Observer (2025) was the last horse to complete the Moonee Valley Vase – Victoria Derby double.
The Victoria Derby attracts a huge number of bets each year, and Derby Day boasts the largest crowd attendance of any of the carnival’s race days. With so many spectators and punters, the betting markets on the Derby are always competitive and lucrative. The Victoria Derby also features in a number of popular betting doubles, including the Victoria Derby / Cox Plate double; Red Anchor (1984) was the last horse to take out this double.
Observer went on to further frank the form out of the 2025 Derby with a Group 1 Australian Guineas victory the following autumn.
Victoria Derby Day
The Victoria Derby is the highlight event on the famous Victoria Derby Day. VRC Derby Day is one of the most exciting and elite meetings of the entire carnival as every race on the card holds group status, including two other fantastic Group 1 races with the running of the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) for three-year-olds and the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) for the fillies and mares.
2026 Victoria Derby Betting
If you want to pick the value in this season’s Victoria Derby odds that will pay off the best, then check out our Victoria Derby odds page.
All-in Victoria Derby betting odds are out months in advance of the race at all-in prices.
Riff Rocket ($2.20 in 2023) and Observer ($2.45 in 2025) are the latest favourites in VRC Derby betting to salute for the punters.
Victoria Derby betting is the perfect way to warm up for the Melbourne Cup, which is held just a few days later. For improved results, read our section on Victoria Derby betting including information on placing many exotic bet types like a Victoria Derby trifecta, Victoria Derby quinella, Victoria Derby exacta, or Victoria Derby First Four bet.
Find the latest Victoria Derby 2026 odds along with links to the markets at Ladbrokes at Races.com.au.
Victoria Derby Field
Victoria Derby Form Guide
The Victoria Derby form guide is one of the most important tools for punters analysing Australia’s premier staying race for three-year-olds. Run over 2500 metres at Flemington, the Group 1 classic is the ultimate test of stamina, class, and staying potential, often separating genuine Derby horses from those yet to prove themselves over a staying trip. The form guide provides vital information on each runner’s recent performances, distance credentials, pedigree, barrier draw, jockey and trainer combinations, and betting market movements. By thoroughly studying the Victoria Derby form guide, punters can identify the horses most likely to run out a strong 2500m and uncover value in one of the spring carnival’s most prestigious betting races.
What Punters Should Look for in the Victoria Derby Form Guide:
- Proven staying form – Horses that have already performed strongly over 2000m and beyond generally have the best foundation for the 2500m Derby trip.
- Key lead-up race form – Runners coming through races such as the Moonee Valley Vase, Spring Champion Stakes, Caulfield Classic and Geelong Classic often bring the strongest credentials.
- Pedigree and breeding – As many runners are untested at 2500m, staying bloodlines can be a strong indicator of a horse’s ability to handle the distance.
- Closing sectionals – Horses producing strong late splits over middle-distance trips often relish the Victoria Derby distance.
- Flemington suitability – The long Flemington straight rewards horses capable of sustaining a strong finishing run and settling into a rhythm throughout the race.
- Current spring form – Progressive three-year-olds peaking through the spring carnival are often among the leading Derby contenders.
- Group race performances – Proven form in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 company is a strong measure of class against quality opposition.
- Barrier draw – A favourable gate can help horses settle comfortably and conserve energy for the demanding final stages.
- Trainer and jockey combinations – Leading stables with successful Derby records often target the race months in advance and can have a significant influence on the result.
- Betting market support – Strong moves in the Victoria Derby betting markets can indicate confidence from connections and often provide valuable clues in the lead-up to race day.
- Ability to run a strong 2500m – Above all else, punters should focus on runners that profile as genuine stayers rather than horses relying on speed alone.
FULL VICTORIA DERBY FORM GUIDE
If you don’t know the first thing about using a form guide, then don’t worry – our Victory Derby form guide page is here to help. We tell you about what the many common details included in a form guide mean, and how you can use a Victoria Derby form guide to place more informed Victoria Derby bets.
2026 Victoria Derby Nominations
The official VRC Derby Nominations for 2026 will be announced here once early entries are taken by the VRC.
2026 Victoria Derby Final Field
The Victoria Derby field attracts a line-up of the best three-year-old stayers of the season. The VRC Derby field rarely features fillies taking on the colts and geldings, the girls saved for the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) the following Thursday.
Good lead-up races into the Victoria Derby field include the previous weekend’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) on Cox Plate Day and the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) held in late October.
The 2026 Victoria Derby field is released on the Wednesday of race week and will be published in full below once announced by Racing Victoria.
Victoria Derby Previous Race Winners
As the Victoria Derby is restricted to three-year-olds, previous Victoria Derby results aren’t tremendously useful for your betting. However, just in case you need to settle an argument about a previous running of the race, we have a Victoria Derby winners page and Victoria Derby results page to help you out.
| YEAR | WINNER | 2ND | 3RD | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Observer | Arcora | Deal Done Fast | 2:37.28 |
| 2024 | Goldrush Guru | Scary | China Sea | 2:37.78 |
| 2023 | Riff Rocket | Apulia | Sunsets | 2:37.38 |
| 2022 | Manzoice | Sharp ‘N’ Smart | Aberfeldie Boy | 2:40.8 |
| 2021 | Hitotsu | Alegron | Teewaters | 2:37.3 |
| 2020 | Johnny Get Angry | Hit The Shot | Young Werther | 2:41.9 |
| 2019 | Warning | Southern Moon | Soul Patch | 2:40.8 |
| 2018 | Extra Brut | Stars Of Carrum | Chapada | 2:34.3 |
| 2017 | Ace High | Sully | Astoria | 2:37.5 |
| 2016 | Prized Icon | Sacred Elixir | Inference | 2:36.1 |
| 2015 | Tarzino | Etymology | Kia Ora Koutou | 2:38.3 |
| 2014 | Preferment | Bondeiger | Nozomi | 2:37.8 |
| 2013 | Polanski | Complacent | Thunder Fantasy | 2:38.6 |
| 2012 | Fiveandahalfstar | Super Cool | Rawnaq | 2:35.9 |
| 2011 | Sangster | Induna | Sabrage | 2:40.3 |
| 2010 | Lion Tamer | Praecido | Retrieve | 2:46.4 |
| 2009 | Monaco Consul | Extra Zero | Viking Legend | 2:41.6 |
| 2008 | Rebel Raider | Whobegotyou | Pre Eminence | 2:36.9 |
| 2007 | Kibbutz | Littorio | Marching | 2:40.9 |
| 2006 | Efficient | Gorky Park | Teranaba | 2:38.3 |
| 2005 | Benicio | Duelled | Headturner | 2:37.0 |
| 2004 | Plastered | Savabeel | Count Ricardo | 2:35.4 |
| 2003 | Elvstroem | Kempinsky | Our Bahare | 2:38.9 |
| 2002 | Helenus | Hydrometer | Aint There | 2:40.5 |
| 2001 | Amalfi | Zarek | Pentastic | 2:34.6 |
| 2000 | Hit The Roof | Universal Prince | Falls The Shadow | 2:39.0 |
Victoria Derby FAQs
What is the Victoria Derby?
The Victoria Derby is a Group 1 race for three-year-old horses run over 2500 metres at Flemington Racecourse. It is Australia’s oldest and most prestigious staying race for three-year-olds and a highlight of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
When is the Victoria Derby run?
The Victoria Derby is held annually on Victoria Derby Day, traditionally the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup.
Where is the Victoria Derby held?
The race is conducted at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria.
How far is the Victoria Derby?
The Victoria Derby is run over a distance of 2500 metres, making it one of Australia’s longest and most challenging races for three-year-olds.
What are the conditions of the Victoria Derby?
The Victoria Derby is run at set weights, with all runners carrying the same allocated weight under the race conditions.
What is the prize money for the Victoria Derby?
The Victoria Derby offers $3 million in prize money, making it one of the richest races for three-year-old stayers in Australia.
Why is the Victoria Derby so important?
The Victoria Derby is considered the ultimate test for staying three-year-olds and is one of the most prestigious races on the Australian racing calendar. Winning the Derby often enhances a horse’s value as both a racehorse and future breeding prospect.
What are the key lead-up races to the Victoria Derby?
The most important lead-up races include the Moonee Valley Vase, Spring Champion Stakes, Caulfield Classic and Geelong Classic.
Who are some famous Victoria Derby winners?
Notable Victoria Derby winners include Riff Rocket (2023), Hitotsu (2021), Ace High (2017), Preferment (2014), Monaco Consul (2009), Efficient (2006), Elvstroem (2003), Nothin’ Leica Dane (1995), Mahogany (1993), Stylish Century (1989), Handy Proverb (1985), Red Anchor (1984), Grosvenor (1982), Dulcify (1978), Taj Rossi (1973), Silver Sharpe (1970), Tobin Bronze (1965), Sky High (1960), Tulloch (1957), Sailor’s Guide (1955), Hydrogen (1951), Delta (1949), Comic Court (1948), Skipton (1941), Hall Mark (1933), Phar Lap (1929), Manfred (1925), Poseidon (1906), Grand Flaneur (1881) and Briseis (1877).
Has a filly ever won the Victoria Derby?
Yes. Frances Tressady in 1923 was the last filly to win the Victoria Derby.
How many horses run in the Victoria Derby?
The Victoria Derby typically attracts a field of up to 16 runners, although final field sizes can vary depending on acceptances and scratchings.
Which trainer has won the most Victoria Derbies?
James Scobie is the most successful Victoria Derby trainer of all time having prepared an impressive eight winners. Scobie’s Victoria Derby wins came with: Maltster (1900), Hautvilliers (1901), F.J.A. (1903), Sylvanite (1904), Alawa (1908), Wolawa (1912), Trivalve (1927), and Hua (1937).
How can I bet on the Victoria Derby?
Punters can wager on the Victoria Derby through licensed bookmakers including Ladbrokes offering win, place, each-way, quinella, exacta, trifecta, first four, futures, and fixed-odds betting markets.
Where can I find the latest Victoria Derby odds?
You can find the latest Victoria Derby odds, betting markets, field updates, form guides, tips, scratchings, and results right here at Races.com.au.
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Ask Form Genius...
- Which runner has the best trainer/jockey combo at Flemington?
- Which runner has the best form on this track?
- Which runners are mapped as leaders in the Victoria Derby?
Want to discover value runners using smart form suggestions?
Form Genius is a powerful form analysis tool that makes doing the form easy by getting through mountains of data at the touch of a button! Ask it anything and get fast, form-based answers on any runner, jockey or trainer in any race. Use the smart prompts for deep insights and to sharpen your punting even further.
Get Free Access to Form Genius Now| Victoria Derby 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Date: | Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| Racecourse: | Flemington Racecourse |
| Distance: | 2500m |
| Conditions: | Three-year-olds at Set Weights |
| Status: | Group 1 |
| Prizemoney: | $3,000,000 |
next to go
