Derby Day is here and it isn’t necessarily the most interesting race, writes Matt Stewart

PODCAST: ISN’T it always the case? It’s Derby Day and the Derby is among the least interesting races on the blockbuster card, writes Matt Stewart.

ISN’T it always the case? It’s Derby Day and the Derby is among the least interesting races on the blockbuster card.

That’s not to say it’s a bad race; it’s even, with a promising favourite.

But the day won’t be carried by Tarzino and whether he can outstay his mates in the $1.5 million blue riband race.

MATTY, MACCA AND DANNY PREVIEW A QUALITY DERBY DAY AT FLEMINGTON IN A VINTAGE EDITION OF THE SUPERRACING PODCAST

The Coolmore Stud Stakes (Race 4) provides Victorians with their first glimpse of Exosphere, whose breathtaking Roman Consul Stakes win had bookies post him favourite above champion older sprinter Chautauqua for next Saturday’s Darley Stakes.

Trainer John O’Shea seems to be baulking at a clash with older, street smart Chautauqua but that clash might be back on if Exosphere smashes the three-year-olds in the Coolmore.

He is long odds-on to do so but the straight can be a strange place for first-timers and Exosphere will drift back from an inside gate.

The straight usually suits horses who come down the middle and James McDonald’s task will be to find the right path. Even if J-Mac can’t find that path, the imposing Exosphere might simply be too strong.

The Lexus Stakes is most interesting for the task of favourite Excess Knowledge and stablemate Bohemian Lily winning and Gai Waterhouse a two-pronged hand in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

Only one horse can win the last ticket into the Cup via the Lexus and Excess Knowledge appears a deserved favourite and the horse most likely.

It’s a typical modern-day Mackinnon. The old days of it being a “barrier trial’’ for Cup horses appear over and there is no So You Think to give it a wow factor.

Rising Romance gets her chance to atone for her last-start failure. Picture: Nicole Garmston

It’s a mix of beaten Cox Plate horses, a couple of imports and one or two freshened after busy early springs, like Rising Romance. There’s also the “over-achiever’’ Stratum Star who will attempt the unlikely Rupert Clarke/Mackinnon double.

Rising Romance was luckless in the Caulfield Cup and has a terrific record here over 2000m. The $21 looks pretty enticing each-way.

The Myer is always a cracking race for the mares and this year it’s nicely book-ended by consistent, proven topliner Royal Descent and rising star filly Stay With Me. Value? Maybe likely leader Rose De Lago.

There is some interest in the Derby, especially for Mick Price.

In 2003, Price had a gun chance in Kempinsky, who shot clear at the 300m and looked home for all money. In the shadows of the post a colt called Elvstroem, ridden brilliantly by Damien Oliver, lunged and won.

As he entered the mounting yard a dejected Price muttered: “D Bloody Oliver.’’

Saturday, Craig Newitt rides Tarzino and for the record, Oliver rides well backed rival Get The Picture.

Originally published as Derby Day is here and it isn’t necessarily the most interesting race, writes Matt Stewart