In the 2026 ATC Australian Derby, several horses boast trials at 2400 metres including Victoria Derby standout Observer and Road To Paris from New Zealand Derby, though over half the Group 1 field worth $2 million awaits its initial Derby distance attempt.
Family trees can signal distance aptitude, so below we assess breeding for the unproven ones.
GREEN SPACES (Street Boss x Outdoor)T: B Baker; J: R King
Green Spaces holds breeding promise for excellence, vying Derby short prices as three-quarter kin to Trekking (The Goodwood 1200m, Stradbroke Handicap 1400m win, The Everest 1200m place).
Debut produce of Redoute’s Choice’s Outdoor (three wins, max 1400m); six runners, none won over 1800m.
Staying traits potentially via Serenade Rose (first dam), Stravinsky who VRC/ATC Oaks 2005/06 double plus G1 Vinery Stud Stakes 2000m.
Street Boss premier sprinter maker, but Cox Plate Anamoe (Street Cry), Winx, Shocking (Melbourne Cup); Trekking sire too.
STORM LEOPARD (Ghaiyyath x Brilliance)T: B,W&JD Hayes; J: T Berry
Gelding from Lindsay Park out of fittingly named Brilliance, from Accessories (Singspiel, Sheikh Mohammed star); progeny Helmet etc to mile.
Accessories’ Lavalier (Microphone gelding) G1 SA Derby third (2500m), Queensland Derby fourth (2400m).
First stakes/long win for Brilliance: G2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) last week; Ghaiyyath bucks trend.
Ghaiyyath strong Australian start, three runners incl Observer G1 Victoria Derby (2500m).
FEDERALIST (I Am Invincible x Arcadia Queen)T: J,W&M Hawkes; J: D Gibbons
$1m Magic Millions GC yearling, Derby’s costliest, Classic profile.
Maternal stamina: Pierro’s Arcadia Queen triple G1 (2000m Might/Power, Champions), half G2 WA Derby (2400m) Arcadia Dream.
I Am Invincible great sire, three Champion awards, no G1 >1600m, two 2400m+ winners.
VICTORIOUS SPIRIT (Ghaiyyath x Cornelia Marie)T: P Moody & K Coleman; J: L Nolen
Ghaiyyath $200k Inglis Premier from sprint to Rancher (third dam half-sis Sleepy Seymour).
Cornelia Marie (Reset) six to 1250m; Zabeel to Tyche Goddess (Teofilo, G3 Auraria 1800m post G2 Wakeful 2000m).
KAYE JAY (Crackerjack King x Kaye Club)T: C Douglas; J: M Zahra
Barry/Barb Saunders colours, family legacy.
Kaye Club (High Chaparral to 2000m) first O’Reilly Rathsallagh (to 2400m, G1 Qld Oaks 2nd).
Rathsallagh: Eureka Street (Street Cry 2400m), Belle Savoir (NASD G2 Roses 2000m place), Brave Miss (Rebel Raider 2100m x5).
Crackerjack King (Shamardal G2 Italian Derby 2200m) 134 foals, no stakes.
BINGI (Snitzel x Mezulla)T: P Moody & K Coleman; J: M Dee
Snitzel four Champion Stallion, 26 G1 winners.
No Derby/Oaks G1.
Mezulla (Shamardal) best Ranch Hand (Fastnet Rock Listed Poseidon 1100m).
Stuart Ramsey; 2024 GC Yearling $300k NR pass-in.
ARE YOU KIDDING (Castelvecchio x Panzerfaust)T: P Messara & L Gavranich; J: A Morgan
Arrowfield 2024 Classic $60k NR.
Castelvecchio (Dundeel 2014 Derby) sired Aeliana last Derby filly.
Panzerfaust (Redoute’s Choice to 1600m); Desert Fight (Chile 2YO champ dual G1 1800m).
Nine from Desert Fight incl Kebede (RC Roses Doomben 2020, Oaks last).
2400m experienced horses:
OBSERVER: Ghaiyyath on-pace G1 Vic Derby (2500m) last year.
ROAD TO PARIS: G1 NZ Derby (2400m); Circus Maximus bro to Lights Of Heaven (G1 Oaks 2000m, G2 Brisbane 2400m, G1 CC place).
DEAL DONE FAST:Dundeel to 2400m post Vic Derby 1.5L 2nd Observer.
ONE STEP CLOSER:Castelvecchio Vic Derby 1.6L back Deal Done Fast.
SAVISANTA: Savabeel gelding 3rd Geelong Classic 2200m, 6th Vic Derby 2500m (2.85L).
DEZIGNATION: So You Think Kembla 2400m: 2nd BM64, 7th BM68 bef Tulloch 5th.
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