The 2017 Ladbrokes NT Derby Form Guide is essential ready for punters and racing fans ahead of the feature race at Darwin’s Fannie Bay Racecourse on Saturday afternoon.
Eight three-year-olds have been confirmed in the 2017 Ladbrokes NT Derby field and we have analysed each horse in detail, in order to help you find the race winner.
Darwin Guineas winner Krusty is the horse to beat in the Ladbrokes NT Derby, but he is sure to face plenty of resistance from the likes of Billet Doux, Cha Chang and Helstar.
Billet Doux
Billet Doux has been a notable performer since transferring to the care of Sheila Arnold in June and is not without a chance in the Ladbrokes NT Derby. Previously saddled by Gordon Richards, the Al Maher gelding finished midfield in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2030m) at Morphettville on April 29th, before finishing in the places at his next two appearances. Debuting in Darwin for a smart win in the Heart Foundation Handicap (1600m), Billet Doux performed credibly to finish fourth in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) on July 8th and will relish a step up to 2000m.
Cha Chang
Former Victorian gelding Cha Chang will make his fourth start for leading Darwin trainer Gary Clarke in the Ladbrokes NT Derby and is another horse who appears as though he will enjoy the 2000m. A dominant winner in his final start for Ciaron Maher at Kilmore on January 19th, the Husson gelding required a run when he beat only one runner home in the Mantra Handicap (1200m) at Fannie Bay on June 10th, but has since placed second in the Heart Foundation Handicap (1600m) and fourth in the Sprout Trobis Handicap (1600m). Clarke saddled Finke to two of three race wins in the Ladbrokes Triple Crown last year, including the NT Derby.
Helstar
The second runner for Clarke in the Ladbrokes NT Derby field, Helstar has one made one appearance on the Darwin dirt so far, but is sure to take plenty of benefit from his sixth place finish in the Sprout Trobis Handicap. Previously saddled by Henry Dwyer, Helstar showed good ability throughout his debut preparation and was a dominant winner over 2100m at Swan Hill on June 10th. He should find a good position behind the pace from the outside barrier.
Inwood
Inwood is undoubtedly one of the class runners of this Ladbrokes NT Derby field and is a live chance of winning the feature race. Saddled by David Brideoake in spring and through the recent Autumn Carnival, Inwood produced a number of quality performances, including a close second over the 1400m course at Pakenham in April. The Smart Missile gelding has only improve since transferring to Darwin and Kerry Petrick’s stables; placing second in the MGA Insurance Brokers Handicap (1300m) first-up before running on for third in the Darwin Guineas a fortnight ago.
Krusty
Krusty is the horse to beat in the Ladbrokes NT Territory Derby and is drawn to get an ideal run in transit, with last-start hoop Paul Denton in the saddle. A strong and consistent performer for sprint king Joe Pride through the Sydney summer, Krusty has only finished outside the first three a handful of times through his eleven career starts. Trialling well on the Darwin surface prior to making his first start for Stephen Brown, the Sebring gelding ran third in the MGA Insurance Brokers Handicap before storming home to win the Darwin Guineas last time out.
So Poysed
So Poysed has quickly built to the task this time and is another live chance of winning the Ladbrokes NT Derby. A smart performer for Richard Laming in autumn, the Sepoy gelding has relished racing in Darwin; trucking home from the rear of the field to finish fifth in the MGA Insurance Brokers Handicap before running a head second behind Krusty in the Darwin Guineas. So Poysed could receive the run of the race from barrier 2 and will again be ridden by Jason Lyon.
Threepeat
Threepeat carries winning form over several of his NT Derby rivals into this race and is drawn for an ideal run in barrier 3. Seymour trainer Danny Penna has set the Reward For Effort gelding for this race and he will be making his fifth appearance at Fannie Bay when he takes his place in the NT Derby field. Fifth in the Darwin Waterfront Maiden (1300m) on May 27th, Threepeat ran on for third in the Southern Cross Television BM64 (1300m) and while failing to fire in the Heart Foundation Handicap, was last seen posting a five length win in the Sprout Trobis Handicap.
Be Cool Yolander
The only filly confirmed in the Ladbrokes NT Derby field this year, Be Cool Yolander is treated well at the weights and will jump from barrier 7 with veteran hoop Raymond Vigar in the saddle. Perhaps the most experienced runner at Darwin of any horse in this field, the daughter of Von Costa De Hero ran second in the Darwin Waterfront Maiden, before flying home to win the Total Event Services Maiden (1200m) a week later. Having since finishing third in the Heart Foundation Handicap and sixth in the Darwin Guineas, should would undoubtedly need to improve to be crowned the Northern Territory Derby winner.