Racing: Vin De Dance goes for A$2m Derby

Mission Hill can get some of the money in the Australian Derby at Randwick today. Photo / Trish Dunell

Declaring a decent bet on The Championships day at Randwick is a bit of a task, naming it in the big one The Doncaster elevates that even further and making it a quinella in Australia's magic metric mile almost makes it ridiculous.

But fortune favours the brave and we're saying Kementari and D'Argento can produce a 1-2 result in the race the Aussies call "the Donny". Kementari has the best lead-up form and comes in beautifully on 51.45kg, jumping from a lovely barrier and D'Argento will carry just 49kg, unfortunately from a very tough gate. Kementari won his first three starts this preparation and it was no disgrace finishing third to Winx and Happy Clapper in the George Ryder Stakes last time.

And you couldn't help but be impressed by the way D'Argento put them away from back in the field in the Rosehill Guineas. Corey Brown will need to weave some magic, but we're backing him to do just that in a A$3 million race. If you're looking for added insurance and in a race like this that is recommended, Happy Clapper will give you a great run for your money. He just managed to edge Kementari out of second behind Winx last start, but Kementari meets him much better in the weight this time.

The A$2m Australian Derby is a puzzle which will probably be decided by luck in running and Vin De Dance (No2, R7) is our choice. He was probably a bit stiff to be relegated from second to fourth in the Rosehill Guineas after trailing the speed and fighting strongly. From gate No 4 Jason Waddell should be able to position him just behind the leaders again and if that eventuates the New Zealander can make it two derbies this preparation. His strength in the closing stages makes him a real opponent and he looks to have everything in his favour here in a very even race. His stablemates Weather With You (No10) and Mission Hill (No12) can both get some of the money.

Lovelight (No3, R1) looks one of the better bets on Te Aroha's marquee programme. She was unlucky two back and last time out at Matamata she charged home into a close third and will be much better placed here. Blue Breeze (No5) and Victory Drive (No1) for the multiples.

Race 2 looks an impossible maiden race, such is the form spread and Race 3 is one of those small handicap fields that is tricky despite the lack of numbers. On a decent track Show The World (No2) will probably have the edge on his stablemate Highlad (No4), who appreciates more cut in the ground.

Sacred Day (No3, R4) is highly thought of and can take one more step up the ladder today. He is still on the improve. Plenty of opposition for the minors with The Great Southern (No2), Swisswatch (No1) and Pop Star Princess (No8) all having claims.

Neeson (No3, R5) is one of the better value runners on the programme. The last two have been reasonable, but three back he was close up behind Hinerangi in a better field than this at Trentham. That is good enough form to represent good value here. Smart Thinking (No12) and Boomerang (No6) rate highly.

Rosa Carolina (No7, R6) and Killarney (No4) look good prospects in a very tough field.

Another value runner is All Roads (No4, R7). He looked good here before joining Chris Waller's stable and a couple back he finished close up in a Sydney Group One. He looked good winning a recent Cambridge barrier trial and is up to winning this at his best. Seventh Up (No2) is in his best form again and rates in this field along with Romancer (No9).

If Darscape Princess (No3, R8) doesn't win the Breeders, Cote D'Or (No5) will. The favourite deserves this after her phenomenal performance in the Bonecrusher Stakes. Cote D'Or is suited by the track and distance. Coldplay (No2) and Thee Auld Floozie (No1) to complete the multiples.

The last is tough, but Fortius (No6) could be each-way value. He could have been suffering the second-up syndrome last time. Thatsforsure (No13) deserves some luck. Her efforts have been better than her paper form suggests.