Massive Field, A Derby Dilemma?

With a final field of 16 plus four emergencies accepting for Saturday's G1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville, there are form lines coming from every which way, leaving the race very open.

Going slightly wide here in the betting with the tough on-pacer Runaway (Aus) (Manhattan Rain {Aus}), whose three-quarter-sisters Abby Marie (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}) and Absolutely (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}) have both tasted success at Group 1 level over an Oaks distance.

Sent to the front last time out over the 2800m of the Listed VRC St leger, jockey Stephen Baster allowed the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained runner to roll along, with the rest of the field chasing in vain. While having to drop back in trip here, he is race fit and ticks a lot of boxes heading onto the Group 1 contest.

Second in the G1 Rosehill Guineas and third the G1 Australian Derby, Chris Waller's Tangled (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) comes into the race off a last start second over 2000m at Group 3 level and once again rates highly here.

Victorian-based runners Leicester (Aus) (Wanted {Aus}) and High 'N' Dry (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) who finished one-two in the traditional lead-up, the G3 Chairman's S. (2035m), look right in the mix here on Saturday with a slight leaning to the runner-up from the Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra yard, who although drawn in barrier 18, does come from back in the field and his pedigree suggest the 2500m is no concern.

Second to Runaway in the St Leger, the Hayes, Hayes and Dabernig-trained Rezealient (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) has recorded two pleasing efforts over 2400m and 2800m, and is a stayer with promise that is sure to run out the trip and should be considered as a place contender.

Fifth in both the G1 Victoria Derby and the G1 Australian Derby, this is a class drop on both of those, with the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Main Stage (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) set to go back and will be running on hard when it matters.