Track: Soft Weather: Overcast

Looks a vintage Derby with all of the winners of the key lead ups (Derby Trial,  Norman Robinson, Moonee Valley Vase & Spring Champion) set to take their places in the field on Saturday.  The Vase winner Berkley Square has been met with good support and now shades Sharp ‘N’ Smart in early betting.  Mr Maestro – looking to make it four wins in a row – and Godolphin colt Pericles are on the next line of betting.

1. Sharp ’n’ Smart

Kiwi who is unbeaten this prep.  Won the Gloaming, then last weeks Spring Champion after a wide run in transit.  Gets James McDonald, a good draw and looks certain to stay.  Leading chance.

2. Berkeley Square

Quality three year old who knows where the line is.  Has won four of six including both starts here and last weeks Moonee Valley Vase.  Maps to get a lovely run in transit.  Top hope.

3. Let’srollthedice

Son of Dundeel.  Ran home well into second in the Geelong Classic.  Set for this.

4. Mr Maestro

Won the Derby Trial here at the start of this month, then was brave winning at Caulfield when the race wasn’t run to suit.  Barrier 17 is far from ideal but Damian Lane goes back aboard.

5. Pericles

Travelled like the winner in the Moonee Valley Vase before condition gave out late jumping from 1400m to 2000m.  Will derive good benefit from that.  He looks a real talent and is a genuine winning chance here.

6. Grand Pierro

Did a good job to round them up in the Geelong Classic.  Looks likely to have to go back again here from the wide draw.  Chasing better horses this time.

7. Manzoice

The winning Caulfield Cup pairing of Waller & Dee combine here.  Thought he worked home well in last weeks Spring Champion Stakes.  Would not be at all surprised if he was able to finish in the top three at a big price.

8. Foujita San

Has talent but does not appear to be going well enough to be winning here.

9. Skyphios

Even effort in the Moonee Valley Vase.  Can improve back to Flemington.

10. Muramasa

Looked gone on the turn in the Norman Robinson, then picked up again and was only getting stronger through the line.  Is still learning what it is all about but has plenty of ability and has drawn well.  Each way chance.

11. Fearless Knight

Solid fourth in the Norman Robinson last start.  Ready to peak fourth up.

12. Berardino

Was in the wrong part of the track in the Vase and battled on okay.  Rough first four hope.

13. Distrustful Award

Justified the short quote winning a Mildura maiden, then was a decent effort back to the inside in the Norman Robinson.  Drawn perfectly.  He can surprise here at a big price.

14. Highland Blaze

Won a Bairnsdale maiden last start.  That form surely isn’t good enough.

15. King’s Crossing

Has last years Derby winning jockey John Allan on board.  Ran a huge race at a big price in the Geelong Classic.  This is tougher.

16. Lehndorff

Down from Sydney after winning a Class 1 at Kembla Grange.  Doubt that form is good enough.

17. Aberfeldie Boy

Finished fourth in the Geelong Classic last start.  Prefer others.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Lewis’ Tips	Jo’s Tips
2 Berkeley Square	2 Berkeley Square
5 Pericles	1 Sharp ‘N’ Smart
1 Sharp ‘N’ Smart	4 Mr Maestro
7 Manzoice	5 Pericles