Daniel Pryors Around The Grounds for Derby Day & Golden Eagle 31/10/26

It's here, punters!

The week of racing we all crave in Australia has finally arrived. The Melbourne Cup Carnival is upon us, and there's no better way to kick things off than Derby Day at Flemington.

With three Group 1 races, two Group 2s and four Group 3s across the nine-race program, Saturday promises to be a fantastic day for racing purists and punters alike.

We've got the Victoria Derby, Coolmore Stud Stakes and Empire Rose Stakes to look forward to, while Randwick hosts the $10 million Golden Eagle, one of the richest races on the Australian racing calendar.

Hopefully, I've got the form right and we can kick off what promises to be a massive week with a few winners!

Before getting into Saturday's selections, let's look back at last weekend's Group 1 action, including a memorable Cox Plate victory and a successful Spring Champion Stakes result.

 

Last Weekend's Racing Review

Cosmic Crusader Creates Cox Plate History

What a story the Cox Plate produced at Flemington last Saturday!

Cosmic Crusader, a horse who had been racing since late July, continued his remarkable preparation with a historic victory in the Group 1 feature.

The Angela Leek-trained galloper had been putting the form on the board throughout his campaign, and everything came together on the biggest stage.

The Wizard of the West, William Pike, produced a perfectly timed ride for Leek and Peters Investments.

Settling towards the tail of the field, Cosmic Crusader was given time to find his rhythm before unleashing a powerful finishing run down the outside of Flemington's long home straight.

He swept past Birdman, who finished second, with Aeliana taking third and Ceolwulf fourth.

It was a tremendous performance from a horse who had already been up for several months.

Cosmic Crusader's victory was another reminder that a horse in outstanding form can continue delivering deep into a preparation.

From a tipping perspective, I was pleased to have three of my four selections finish in the top four, including the winner, Cosmic Crusader, alongside Aeliana and Ceolwulf.

A fantastic result and a memorable Cox Plate.

 

 

Smooth Chino Delivers a West Australian Success Story

There was a distinctly West Australian flavour to Cox Plate Day.

How parochial!

The Group 2 McEwen Stakes went to Smooth Chino, a former West Australian runner now trained by Indianna Weinert, who is based at Gawler in South Australia.

Jockey Austin Galati made the trip across from Western Australia and was entrusted with the ride despite having misjudged the winning post at Flemington a few weeks earlier.

This time, he got everything right.

Galati now has an outstanding record aboard Smooth Chino, having partnered the horse to seven victories from ten race rides.

It was a wonderful result for the connections, with horse, trainer and jockey combining for their first Flemington victory in a Group 2 feature.

Stories like these are what make the Spring Racing Carnival so special.

 

 

Proxima Dea Wins the Spring Champion Stakes

Randwick also produced an excellent program last Saturday, headlined by the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes over 2000m for the three-year-olds.

It was a particularly pleasing result for those who followed my selections, with the winner, quinella and exacta all landing.

Proxima Dea, the second favourite, produced an impressive performance for trainer David Payne and jockey Zac Lloyd.

She proved too strong in the closing stages, winning by 1.5 lengths from race favourite Global Goal.

Race leader Cormier held on for third, while Stormy Marco finished strongly into fourth.

Proxima Dea continues to develop into a very talented galloper, and it was another excellent performance at Group 1 level.

A good result for the followers heading into Derby Day!

 

 

 

Derby Day 2026 – Flemington & Randwick Preview

Flemington – Three Group 1 Features

Day One of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is always one of the great racing programs, and this year's Derby Day looks no different.

All nine races carry Group status, with three Group 1 features taking centre stage.

The Victoria Derby is the traditional staying test for three-year-olds over 2500m, where stamina and the ability to handle the Flemington circuit are crucial.

The Coolmore Stud Stakes brings together some of Australia's most exciting three-year-old sprinters over 1200m down the famous Flemington straight.

Then there's the Empire Rose Stakes, a Group 1 contest over 1600m for fillies and mares, which has attracted another competitive field.

With quality racing throughout the program, there should be plenty of opportunities to find a winner.

 

Randwick – $10 Million Golden Eagle

Randwick also hosts a quality meeting, with the Golden Eagle taking centre stage.

The $10 million feature for four-year-olds has quickly established itself as one of the biggest races on the Australian calendar since its introduction in 2019.

It's a unique opportunity for connections because horses only get one chance to contest the race at four years of age.

This year's field looks exceptional.

The talented mare Sheeza Alibi is the short-priced favourite, and her form suggests she's going to be extremely difficult to beat.

The major question is the drop back in distance from 2000m to 1500m.

That's not an easy adjustment, particularly against such a strong field, but her ability is undeniable.

With $10 million on the line, you can be certain the opposition won't be making life easy.

It should be a cracker!

 

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Around The Grounds with Daniel Pryor – 2026 Derby Day Preview, Free Tips & Last Week’s Winners

Flemington Race 2 – #1 Regal Ambition ($2.30)

Regal Ambition looks extremely well placed to return to winning form after an encouraging performance last start.

He finished third as favourite on that occasion, but the result doesn't tell the full story.

The race was dominated by the leaders, and Regal Ambition was the only runner able to make significant ground from the rear of the field.

That was an excellent effort given the way the race unfolded.

He does come back in distance for Saturday's assignment, but I don't see that as a major concern.

The spacious Flemington circuit and long home straight should suit his racing style, giving him plenty of time to build momentum and finish strongly.

If he reproduces his latest effort under more favourable circumstances, he'll be extremely difficult to hold out.

Regal Ambition looks one of the strongest winning chances in the race.

 

Flemington Race 2 – #4 Pin Up Sheila ($4.40)

Pin Up Sheila makes the trip down from Sydney and looks well placed following an excellent second in the Group 3 Reginald Allen.

That performance suggested she's ready to produce another strong effort, and Saturday's assignment looks suitable.

I expect her to settle around midfield and secure a comfortable run in transit before being presented into the race down the Flemington straight.

The addition of winkers for the first time is an interesting gear change and could help her concentrate throughout the run.

She also has a leading jockey engaged, while the stable appears to have several strong chances across the Derby Day program.

With a favourable run, Pin Up Sheila should be right in the finish.

A genuine winning chance at $4.40.

 

Flemington Race 4 – #4 Grand Larceny ($23)

Grand Larceny is one of my favourite longer-priced runners on Derby Day.

At $23, I believe the market has underestimated his winning chances considerably.

In fact, I've assessed him closer to a $10 chance, making the available price particularly appealing.

There are several reasons to be interested.

He's previously won at Flemington, so we know the track holds no concerns.

He also has a strong second-up record and gets that exact setup on Saturday.

Another important statistic is his record in this grade, having won his only previous attempt at the class.

The stable has a reputation for preparing runners to perform on the big occasions, and this looks another suitable opportunity.

At the current odds, Grand Larceny offers plenty of appeal.

One of my best roughies of Derby Day at $23.

 

Flemington Race 6 – #13 Satono Glow ($5)

Satono Glow is a very exciting filly who has already established an outstanding record.

She's won four of her five career starts, and she was unlucky not to remain unbeaten after being held up in running during her only defeat.

That record speaks volumes about her ability.

She possesses exceptional speed and has already demonstrated she can handle the Flemington straight, having previously won over the track and distance.

My only slight concern is her barrier.

She's drawn towards the inside, and I would probably have preferred to see her drawn wider down the straight.

However, if she gets clear running when it matters, she has the acceleration to overcome that disadvantage.

Another positive is her ability to perform across different track conditions.

With rain potentially affecting the Flemington surface, that versatility could prove valuable.

I expect Satono Glow to be charging home strongly over the concluding stages.

With even luck, Satono Glow is a major winning chance at $5.

 

Flemington Race 6 – #1 The Next Episode ($3.50)

The Next Episode was outstanding last start when producing an explosive finishing burst to win down the Flemington straight.

He appeared to come from nowhere late, unleashing a powerful turn of foot that immediately marked him as a horse with serious ability.

His career record now stands at four wins from six starts, and there's every indication he can continue improving.

The main challenge is stepping up to 1200m for the first time.

However, given the strength of his latest finishing effort, I don't expect the additional distance to be an issue.

The forecast rain is another positive.

The Next Episode appreciates rain-affected conditions, and any downgrade into the Soft or Heavy range would strengthen his claims considerably.

He's already one of the leading contenders, but a wet track could make him even harder to beat.

The Next Episode looks a genuine Group 1 winning chance at $3.50.

 

Flemington Race 9 – #4 Flying For Fun ($2.70)

Flying For Fun looks well placed in the final race at Flemington and has an important jockey booking in his favour.

James McDonald takes the ride, having elected to maintain his association with this runner rather than partner another horse for one of his main stables.

That's an interesting indication of the horse's prospects.

Flying For Fun has already produced several strong performances in this grade and looks capable of measuring up again.

I expect him to settle back in the field before building momentum and finishing strongly down Flemington's long home straight.

With the right tempo and clear running, he should be right in contention at the finish.

Flying For Fun looks a strong chance to finish Derby Day on a winning note.

 

Daniel Pryor's Free Derby Day Tips – Rosehill

Randwick Race 2 – #15 Bonnie Murringo ($17)

Bonnie Murringo is an interesting runner at double-figure odds.

She opened at $31 and has already attracted market support, but I still believe the current $17 represents a worthwhile price.

The major positive is her second-up record.

Bonnie Murringo is unbeaten from two previous second-up appearances, and she gets that setup again on Saturday.

She's also drawn favourably, which should allow her to settle around the speed or just behind the leaders.

That should give her every opportunity to enjoy an economical run and be competitive when the pressure increases.

At the price, she's worth considering.

Bonnie Murringo is a good roughie at $17.

 

Randwick Race 5 – #1 Perisher ($2.25)

Perisher was extremely impressive winning on his Australian debut over 1500m.

He produced a strong performance that suggested he has plenty of ability, and Saturday's race looks another suitable assignment.

He drops back in class following that victory and has understandably been installed as a short-priced favourite.

There is a weight increase to consider, although an apprentice claim will help offset that rise.

The step up to 2000m also looks ideal.

Based on the way he performed on his Australian debut, the additional distance should suit and give him the opportunity to show his full ability.

He's a progressive runner who looks capable of continuing through the grades.

Perisher is worth following up at $2.25.

 

Randwick Race 7 – #8 Headwall ($4)

Headwall produced an excellent performance in The Everest and appears to be racing in very good form despite not winning this preparation.

That effort showed he remains highly competitive against quality opposition.

The main question on Saturday is the distance.

Headwall steps up to 1300m for the first time, having never previously raced beyond 1200m.

It's an interesting challenge, but based on his current form, I believe the extra 100m is achievable.

He should be competitive throughout and has the class to play a major role in the finish.

Headwall is a leading chance at $4 if he handles the rise in distance.

 

Randwick Race 7 – #2 Headley Grange ($10)

Headley Grange returns to 1300m, a distance at which he has previously performed well.

He was a winner three starts ago and looks capable of returning to the winner's circle under the right circumstances.

One of the strongest positives is the trainer-jockey combination.

When they team up, they produce winners at approximately 30% of their rides, which is an excellent strike rate.

At $10, Headley Grange is an appealing option in a competitive race.

He has the ability to bounce back and shouldn't be underestimated.

A good each-way chance at double-figure odds.

 

Randwick Race 7 – #1 Jimmysstar ($4)

Jimmysstar is a talented galloper who can produce a devastating finishing burst when everything falls into place.

He's drawn wide on Saturday, which suggests he'll probably be restrained towards the rear of the field before attempting to charge home late.

That racing pattern can leave him vulnerable if the tempo isn't suitable, but his best form is more than good enough to win this race.

The concern is his recent winning record.

Jimmysstar has managed just one victory from his past eight starts, making him a somewhat frustrating horse for punters.

However, he possesses undeniable ability and can't be dismissed if he produces anything close to his best.

Jimmysstar is a genuine threat at $4, particularly if the race sets up for the backmarkers.

 

Randwick Race 8 – #16 Sheeza Alibi ($1.70)

Sheeza Alibi is the deserved favourite for the $10 million Golden Eagle.

Her exposed form is outstanding, and this race has clearly been the major target for connections for some time.

Although she's been beaten twice from three starts this preparation, those performances have been part of a campaign designed to have her peaking for this assignment.

The biggest challenge is the drop back in distance.

Coming from 2000m to 1500m is a significant adjustment, particularly against a high-quality field of four-year-olds.

However, she should be extremely fit and ready to produce her best performance.

On ability and exposed form, Sheeza Alibi is clearly one of the standout runners in the race.

With everything geared towards this grand final, I expect her to be extremely difficult to beat.

Sheeza Alibi is the deserved $1.70 favourite and the horse they all have to beat in the Golden Eagle.

Last Week's Results & Winning Dividends

It was another productive week, with several excellent winners across Saturday's racing and the midweek program.

The Cox Plate success of Cosmic Crusader was a highlight, while Proxima Dea delivered a winning result in the Spring Champion Stakes.

Lazzura also saluted as a free tip at Randwick.

Saturday, 24 October 2026

Winner	Dividend	Exotics
Exo Velocity	$14.10	—
Stokke	$18.40	—
Ocean Tsunami	$4.00	—
Central Europe	$3.60	Quinella $5.10 / Exacta $12.40
Smooth Chino	$8.00	—
Proxima Dea	$3.80	Quinella $2.50 / Exacta $9.50
Juja Kibo	$8.00	—
Lazzura (Free Tip)	$3.00	—
Cosmic Crusader	$9.50	—
Declichy Boulevard	$3.50	—
Soverato	$4.80	—

 

Wednesday, 28 October 2026

Winner	Dividend	Exotics
Lawborough	$3.50	—
Bel Mezyaan	$3.20	—
She's An Artist	$2.70	Quinella $4.00 / Exacta $8.10

Some excellent results among those winners, particularly the double-figure returns from Exo Velocity, Stokke and Cosmic Crusader.

Hopefully, we can carry that momentum into Derby Day and the remainder of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

 

More Melbourne Cup Carnival Tips Coming

I'll be back with more racing analysis and free selections throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Keep an eye out for my upcoming previews:

• Day 2 – Melbourne Cup Preview

• Day 4 – Champions Day Preview

You'll find the free tips and latest selections at The Great Tip Off.

 

Daniel Pryor's Premium Tips Packages

Package	Price
Full Daily Subscriber Package	$15
Four-Day Full Subscriber Package	$45

The four-day package covers all four meetings of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.

There's plenty of outstanding racing ahead, and hopefully a few more winners to come.

Good Luck and Giddyup Punters, and HAPPY DERBY DAY! 

 

There are loads of tips for today's racing in our Horse Racing Tips market at theGreatTipOff.com.