Victoria Derby contenders prepare for upcoming Group 1 race

Training partners Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are preparing three entries for the upcoming Victoria Derby at Flemington. The duo, who won the race in 2011 with Sangster, are seeking to overcome a series of recent near-misses in the 2500-metre Group 1 event.

Their nominated runners include Cignetti, described as having a strong turn of foot, and Icy You, noted as an out-and-out stayer. Gilgeous also joins the entries. The trainers noted that barrier draws will be a critical factor in the race outcome, citing previous second-place finishes that were impacted by wide gates.

The Victoria Derby is one of Australia’s most historic staying races for three-year-olds, first run in 1855. The most recent winner was Observer in 2025.