Victoria Derby 2024 Betting Sites, Odds & Information

Date: Sat Nov 4 
Time: TBA 
Prize Money: $2m 

Scheduled to take place on Saturday Nov 4, 2023, at Flemington Racecourse, the first day of the thrilling Flemington Carnival leg of the Melbourne Spring Carnival, the Victorian Derby is the truest staying test for up and coming 3 year olds. 
 
With a very significant $2m prize pool on offer for contenders it is a significant race both in terms of prize money and prestige. 
 
1st place walks away with $1.2m split between owners, trainer and jockey, and prize money is paid out all the way down to 8th place.  For the full prize money allocation see below: 

The final field and barriers will be revealed on Wednesday 1 November. Nominations will be published on 9 October and weights published on 10 October. 

There is always significant interest in the Victorian Derby and as a result there are a number of Pre Nom markets about. Let’s have a look at some of the top favoured runners in the pre noms markets, bearing in mind much can change between now and race day.  It is also worth noting that any bets in these markets will be refunded should the runner not run. 

Runner - Win Price - Place Price 

RIFF ROCKET - 2.80 - 1.42 
 
TOM KITTEN - 4.50 - 1.82 
 
SUNSETS - 5.00 - 1.94 
 
MILITARIZE - 6.00 - 2.17 
 
DULCET - 7.00 - 2.41 
 
KING COLORADO - 8.00 - 2.64 
 
VERDAD - 9.00 - 2.88 
 
GATES - 11.00 - 3.35 
 
MEDATSU - 13.00 - 3.82 
 
APULIA - 15.00 - 4.29 
 
PORT LOCKROY - 15.00 - 4.29 
 
RAF ATTACK - 15.00 - 4.29 
 
RAVELLO - 15.00 - 4.29 
 
SNOWMAN - 15.00 - 4.29 
 
STEPARTY - 15.00 - 4.29 
 
AIR ASSAULT - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
CHEROKEE BRAVE - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
GANBARE - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
KONING - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
KOSGEI - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
MOJAVE DESERT - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
RIPROAR - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
SCHEELITE - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
SOLIDIFY - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
SUNSOURCE - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
TANNHAUSER - 26.00 - 6.88 
 
WAVERLEY - 26.00 - 6.88 

Of the above contenders, I think there are a few that can be highlighted that will definitely line up come race day. 
 
The favourite in the betting Riff Rocket is trained by the imperious Chris Waller and clearly looks to be set for the race.  Chris Waller is a master at preparing horses for their big race and comments from the jockey James McDonald after the horses last run, where he came 2nd having been a $1.28 favourite in the 2000m Neds Classic, suggest the horse is coming along just fine for the Victorian Derby. 
 
Coming a place behind in that race, Gates is also another that is looking very likely to make the final field.  Trainers Peter Moody and Catherine Coleman have high hopes for the horse and will surely be encouraged by the run in the Neds Classic. 
 
The winner of the Neds Classic, Sunsets, is also now a massive lien chance for the Derby and with jockey John Allen a seasond winner of Derby races, and joint trainer Natalie Young stating that the horse will indeed ‘ get further’, which he’ll need to of course with the jump up to 2500m from 2000m, you’d be brave to discount the colts chances. 
 
Another one I like at odds is Medatsu.  This Kiwi galloper just won its maiden in a 2000m at Kembla Grange and showed all the signs of being able to stay  the 2500m trip of the Derby.  Also trained by Chris Waller, there’s a lot to like about this horse. 

The Victorian Derby in 2023 is gearing up to be a standout Group 1 race of the Flemington carnival as it is every year..We’ve already highlighted some of the interesting runners likely to line up (see above) and now we can look to steer you towards picking the ideal bookmaker for your wagering needs on the event. Navigating the vast array of Australian bookmakers can seem daunting, but our goal is to simplify this task by highlighting some trustworthy choices. Prior to exploring the recommended options, we advise you to get acquainted with the Victorian Derby's line-up and determine your betting preferences. 
 
A paramount consideration when choosing a bookmaker is the odds they present. While it might demand a bit of legwork, browsing through multiple bookmakers and contrasting the odds for your selected market will give you an edge in recognizing which operator is most favourable. Opting for the bookmaker boasting the best odds amplifies your potential earnings. For an extensive overview of Australian bookmakers catering to Group 1 thoroughbred horse racing, you're welcome to check our best betting sites page. 
 
The familiarity factor is also of note. A significant portion of Australian bettors gravitate towards bookmakers they've previously engaged with, be it because of a user-friendly website or a preferred racing betting app. It's perfectly valid to remain with a bookmaker that aligns with your comfort zone. To aid you further, our Bookmaker Reviews page details the credibility of each operator, enabling a well-informed selection. 
 
Furthermore, promotions can be influential in determining your choice. Our betting sites bonuses and promotions page showcases a myriad of bonuses and deals provided by Australian bookmakers. It's worthwhile to investigate if there are any specific incentives for the Victorian Derby. 
 
In the end, the route to picking the best bookmaker for the 2023 Victorian Derby isn't set in stone. The trio of suggestions outlined are practical pointers. Above all, remember to partner with a reputable bookmaker and ensure you've supplied any essential verification details before committing to any bets. Included below is a snippet from our OnlyRacing racing betting sites page, spotlighting five top-tier Australian bookmakers specializing in Group 1 horse racing events. By accessing the provided links, you can delve into a more comprehensive breakdown of what each bookmaker delivers. 
 
The ultimate aim is to secure a bookmaker that resonates with your individual requirements, promising a seamless and safe betting journey for the 2023 Victorian Derby. 

Nestled near Melbourne's vibrant city core is the iconic Flemington Racecourse, a mecca for horse racing devotees. Its vast expanse, marked by pristine tracks and imposing grandstands, has witnessed countless nail-biting races and stories of unexpected victories. 
 
However, Flemington isn't merely a racecourse; it's a symbol of Australia's deep-rooted racing culture. Since its inception in the 19th century, this revered ground has hosted several of Australia's esteemed racing events, with the Melbourne Cup taking the crown as its standout spectacle, capturing both national and international imaginations. 
 
Commonly known as "Flemington", this venue artfully marries its storied past with cutting-edge amenities. Each nook and cranny resonates with tales of past champions, dramatic finishes, and the collective gasps of bygone crowds. Its renowned rose gardens, especially vibrant during the Spring Racing Carnival, provide a serene contrast to the race day fervour. 
 
A day at Flemington is more than just racing; it's an immersion. The pulsating ambiance draws in dedicated punters, style mavens, and casual visitors alike. Whether you're toasting in a plush marquee, engaging with on-ground bookmakers, or rallying from the stands, Flemington promises a day etched in memory. 
 
In the following sections, we'll uncover the nuances of Flemington Racecourse, highlighting its pivotal role, standout features, and the reasons it remains a cherished spot for racing enthusiasts worldwide. 

The Victoria Derby, celebrated as Australia’s epitome of thoroughbred racing, unwraps the highly anticipated Melbourne Cup Carnival at the iconic Flemington Racecourse. Engrained in Australia's sporting culture since 1855, this race pays homage to the age-old English Derby, evoking a tradition deeply rooted in horseracing heritage. 
 
Revered as a Group 1 race under Set Weight conditions for three-year-olds, the Derby unfurls over 2500 meters, a modification from its original distance of a mile and a half (2400 meters) post Australia’s shift to the metric system in 1973. This alteration, initially aimed at aligning with the Epsom Derby distance, was further tweaked to ensure fairness and safety during the race. 
 
The Derby's tapestry is embellished with equine legends whose victories echo through Australia’s racing annals. Notable winners like Frances Tressady, the last filly to clinch victory in 1923, and Rebel Raider, the underdog who astonished with a 100/1 win in 2008, are etched in the Derby’s rich narrative. Moreover, the Derby has witnessed groundbreaking milestones such as Clare Lindop’s feat in 2008, marking her the first female jockey to triumph in the race, and Gai Waterhouse’s pioneering success as the first female trainer with a winning horse in 1995.. 
 
The Victoria Derby transcends mere racing. It's a spectacle where fashion and tradition meld, evoking a classic elegance that resonates with attendees and the nation at large. It's not just a race; it's an experience, a temporal journey that celebrates Australia’s enduring love for horseracing, with the grandeur of Derby Day elevating it to a festivity eagerly awaited each spring. 
 
Moreover, the strategic positioning of the Derby in the racing calendar often sparks discussions. Its proximity to the season start poses a challenge, especially for the younger horses. However, this also carves a competitive landscape that tests the mettle of promising champions, with those seasoned from Sydney races often showcasing superior performance. This nuance in preparation and strategy lends the Victoria Derby a distinctive character, making it a riveting precursor to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. 
 
The Victoria Derby is not just a race; it's a cherished tradition, a spectacle of elite horseracing that heralds the commencement of the jubilant Melbourne Cup Carnival. Through every gallop and thunderous applause, the Derby epitomises Australia’s undying penchant for horseracing, making it a timeless spectacle eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and casual observers alike. 

• 2022 - Manzoice 
• 2021 - Hitotsu 
• 2020 - Johnny Get Angry 
• 2019 - Warning 
• 2018 - Extra Brut 
• 2017 - Ace High 
• 2016 - Prized Icon 
• 2015 - Tarzino 
• 2014 - Preferment 
• 2013 - Polanski 
• 2012 - Fiveandahalfstar 
• 2011 - Sangster 
• 2010 - Lion Tamer 
• 2009 - Monaco Consul 
• 2008 - Rebel Raider 
• 2007 - Kibbutz 
• 2006 - Efficient 
• 2005 - Benicio 
• 2004 - Plastered 
• 2003 - Elvstroem 
• 2002 - Helenus 
• 2001 - Amalfi 
• 2000 - Hit The Roof 
• 1999 - Blackfriars 
• 1998 - Arena 
• 1997 - Second Coming 
• 1996 - Portland Player 
• 1995 - Nothin' Leica Dane 
• 1994 - Blevic 
• 1993 - Mahogany 
• 1992 - Redding 
• 1991 - Star Of The Realm 
• 1990 - Fire Oak 
• 1989 - Stylish Century 
• 1988 - King's High 
• 1987 - Omnicorp 
• 1986 - Raveneaux 
• 1985 - Handy Proverb 
• 1984 - Red Anchor 
• 1983 - Bounty Hawk 
• 1982 - Grosvenor 
• 1981 - Brewery Boy 
• 1980 - Sovereign Red 
• 1979 - Big Print 
• 1978 - Dulcify 
• 1977 - Stormy Rex 
• 1976 - Unaware 
• 1975 - Galena Boy 
• 1974 - Haymaker 
• 1973 - Taj Rossi 
• 1972 - Dayana 
• 1971 - Classic Mission 
• 1970 - Silver Sharpe 
• 1969 - Daryl's Joy 
• 1968 - Always There 
• 1967 - Savoy 
• 1966 - Khalif 
• 1965 - Tobin Bronze 
• 1964 - Royal Sovereign 
• 1963 - Craftsman 
• 1962 - Coppelius 
• 1961 - New Statesman 
• 1960 - Sky High 
• 1959 - Travel Boy 
• 1958 - Sir Blink 
• 1957 - Tulloch 
• 1956 - Monte Carlo 
• 1955 - Sailor's Guide 
• 1954 - Pride Of Egypt 
• 1953 - Prince Morvi 
• 1952 - Advocate 
• 1951 - Hydrogen 
• 1950 - Alister 
• 1949 - Delta 
• 1948 - Comic Court 
• 1947 - Beau Gem 
• 1946 - Prince Standard 
• 1945 - Magnificent 
• 1944 - San Martin 
• 1943 - Precept 
• 1942 - Great Britain 
• 1941 - Skipton 
• 1940 - Lucrative 
• 1939 - Reading 
• 1938 - Nuffield 
• 1937 - Hua 
• 1936 - Talking 
• 1935 - Feldspar 
• 1934 - Theo 
• 1933 - Hall Mark 
• 1932 - Liberal 
• 1931 - Johnnie Jason 
• 1930 - Balloon King 
• 1929 - Phar Lap 
• 1928 - Strephon 
• 1927 - Trivalve 
• 1926 - Rampion 
• 1925 - Manfred 
• 1924 - Spearfelt 
• 1923 - Frances Tressady 
• 1922 - Whittier 
• 1921 - Furious 
• 1920 - Salitros 
• 1919 - Richmond Main 
• 1918 - Eusebius 
• 1917 - Biplane 
• 1916 - Wolaroi 
• 1915 - Patrobas 
• 1914 - Carlita
• 1913 - Beragoon
• 1912 - Wolawa
• 1911 - Wilari
• 1910 - Beverage
• 1909 - Prince Foote
• 1908 - Alawa
• 1907 - Mountain King
• 1906 - Poseidon
• 1905 - Lady Wallace
• 1904 - Sylvanite
• 1903 - F.J.A
• 1902 - Abundance
• 1901 - Hautvilliers
• 1900 - Maltster
• 1899 - Merriwee
• 1898 - Cocos
• 1897 - Amberite
• 1896 - Newhaven
• 1895 - Wallace
• 1894 - The Harvester
• 1893 - Carnage
• 1892 - Carmoola
• 1891 - Strathmore
• 1890 - The Admiral
• 1889 - Dreadnought
• 1888 - Ensign
• 1887 - The Australian Peer
• 1886 - Trident
• 1885 - Nordenfeldt
• 1884 - Rufus
• 1883 - Martini Henry
• 1882 - Navigator
• 1881 - Darebin
• 1880 - Grand Flaneur
• 1879 - Suwarrow
• 1878 - Wellington
• 1877 - Chester
• 1876 - Briseis
• 1875 - Robin Hood
• 1874 - Melbourne
• 1873 - Lapidist
• 1872 - Loup Garou
• 1871 - Miss Jessie
• 1870 - Florence
• 1869 - Charon
• 1869 - My Dream
• 1868 - Fireworks
• 1867 - Fireworks
• 1866 - Sea Gull
• 1865 - Angler
• 1864 - Lantern
• 1863 - Oriflamme
• 1862 - Barwon
• 1861 - Camden
• 1860 - Flying Colours
• 1859 - Buzzard
• 1858 - Brownlock
• 1857 - Tricolor
• 1856 - Flying Doe
• 1855 - Rose Of May

Note: The years 1869 and 1867 have two entries as they had races run on both New Year's Day and later in the year.