Australian racing picks for the Victoria Derby and Golden Eagle

Victoria Derby Day at Flemington in Melbourne is often described as “Christmas for adults,” because of the exceptional quality of racing that is put on by the Victoria Racing Club.

Tonight is no exception, and TwinSpires players will be treated to the best of the best in Aussie racing, with all nine races being group contests, highlighted by the Victoria Derby (G1).

Farther north, the curtain will fall on Sydney’s spring racing carnival, with the running of the Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens, contested by 4-year-olds at set weights over 7 1/2 furlongs.

The Rosehill card is also the last opportunity for TwinSpires players to share in $15,000 worth of cash, courtesy of the The Everest Carnival promotion, held in conjunction with Sky Racing World.\

Here are a couple picks for a huge night of racing Down Under.

Rosehill Gardens, Race 7 (The Golden Eagle): #1 Private Eye (5-1 on the morning line)

The Joseph Pride trainee is the last-out winner of the Epsom H. (G1), where he came from last at the turn for a swooping victory.

The son of Al Maher profiles similarly to 2019 Golden Eagle winner Kolding, who also claimed the Queensland Guineas (G2) as a 3-year-old before his win in the Epsom.

Private Eye is drawn wide, but that shouldn’t be an issue, given he likes to get back in his races. With a huge field of 18 engaged, along with a few genuine frontrunners, there should be enough speed on for him to rocket home and get over the top of them late.

Flemington, Race 6 (Victoria Derby): #4 Gunstock (3-1 on the morning line)

Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent, the son of Tavistock made it two wins from four starts, with a win in the Caulfield Classic (G3) last time out.

That was over a mile and a quarter, but the way he knuckled down inside the final furlong was impressive, and his pedigree suggests he will relish the extra 2 1/2 furlongs tonight.

He has a tricky draw, but jockey Jye McNeil is an experienced pilot and will be able to give Gunstock every chance.

Enjoy Australia’s Derby Day and good luck!