There will be huge interest across Australia regarding international racing this weekend. On Saturday night in the UK the Epsom Derby will be run, and on Sunday morning in the US, California Chromegoes for the ever-elusive Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes.
Ironically the favourite for the Epsom Derby is the quaintly named Aiden O’Brien-trained Australia, who is bred to be a super-star being by World Champion sire Galileo, out of former champion race-mare Ouija Board.
That makes him a half-brother to the progressive Our Voodoo Prince, who has had three starts in Australia for Chris Waller for three impressive wins, including his last start win in the Group 3 $150,000 Easter Cup (2000m).
Australia will go into the Derby off an eye-catching third in the Group 1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last month.
When final acceptors were taken yesterday there were 17 horses still in the Derby picture. (racingnetwork)