The Victoria Derby:

Total Prize: AU$2.5million

Official Website: http://www.vrc.net.au.

First run: 1855

Qualification: 3yr old horses with set weights.

Distance: 2500 metres (approx 1 1/2 miles)

Course Record: 2:33.60

Track: Turf, left handed.

Track Bias: Flemington is a large, spacious racecourse with sweeping turns. On the first day racing in Melbourne Cup week the track has been prepared to be at its very best and there is generally little bias to affect the pattern of racing, so long as the Melbourne Spring weather remains fine and sunny. If wet, runners will quickly discover that the best ground is down the centre of the course.

History: First in 1855, predating the Melbourne Cup by six years. The Victoria Derby now launches on the first Saturday of Melbourne Cup week at Flemington racecourse, with four days of top quality Group racing events in one week at the beginning of November. Known as Super Saturday, every race on the card on Victoria Derby day is has Group status. The day also includes the Lexus Stakes and the Mackinnon Stakes, which for some is the last chance to qualify for the Melbourne Cup on the following Tuesday.

Form analysis: extremely difficult to assess the three year olds, breeding can sometimes be a guide to a horses ability to stay.

Related Races: Melbourne Cup | Cox Plate | Caulfield Cup.

Past Champion Winners:  Briseis 1876 (Melbourne Cup), Chester 1877 (Melbourne Cup), Phar Lap 1929 (also 1930 Melbourne Cup), Skipton 1941 (Melbourne Cup), Tulloch (1957), Tobin Bronze (1965), Comic Court 1948 (1950 Melbourne Cup), Dulcify 1978 (1979 Cox Plate) Red Anchor 1984 (Cox Plate), Elvstroem 2003 (2004 Caulfield Cup), Efficient 2006 (2007 Melbourne Cup).

Betting on the Victoria Derby is available from Sportsbet.com.au.