THE FORECAST: Derby Day

THE FORECAST: DERBY DAY DELIGHT

Did you know the Derby – talking collectively here of the 20-odd races of that name run everywhere from Flemington to Bangalore and Budapest – earned it’s name after a coin toss?

The Earl Of Derby and the Sir Charles Bunbury were both mad for a punt. (Unofficial) history suggests that these two blokes would punt on anything and everything; who could eat the most pickled hog’s trotters? Who would have more wives before they turned 40? Who would survive syphilis? And whose name would be attached to a race for three-year-old colts at their annual boys trip booze up way back in 1779.

A coin toss settled the issue. Derby won. And I’m grateful for that, Bunbury Day sounds rubbish.

There are a few things you need to know about Derby Day. First, black and white is the colour scheme. Morning suits if you want to be a wanker, if you don’t just stick with black and white. Makes it easy for Pies fans.

Next, the fields are ridiculously good. Unbelievably good. So good you will struggle to make up your mind about who to back and with a rush of blood in the last minute before the off, you will do the exact opposite of what you started out doing. And you will probably back a winner – because every horse in every freaking race can win.

Next. Chris Waller will win something, probably a few somethings. He is just a freak horseman, there is no other way to explain it. I don’t think there is a trainer in modern history that gets their horses so cherry ripe for their grand final – look at his record in the Coolmore (5) and the Derby (3) – and also the Carbine Club (3) for that matter! Back Waller, drink, whatever rhymes with Waller.

Last but not least, while everyone will tell you that public transport is the easiest way to get to Flemington, which is true, they don’t tell you that public transport is without a doubt the absolute WORST way to leave Flemington along with 90,000-odd hydrated racegoers – it’s the stuff of nightmares, unless you own a winner.

BEST: Flemington R4 No. 2 ANOTHER WILL

BEST EACH-WAY: Rosehill R9 No. 2 NONCONFORMIST

BEST ROUGHIE: Flemington R8 No. 11 GRINZINGER BELLE