 Brett Davis | |
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| Brett Davis was introduced to Australian Racing by his father back in the early 1980’s when his family became involved in formulating “Thoroughbred Racing Syndications”. Brett worked from 1995 as a Professional Form Analysts and Race Broadcaster with an array of companies throughout most parts of the Australia Racing industry. He currently resides in Adelaide, his hometown in Australia, where he is Chief Thoroughbred Race Caller and Form Analyst for Tabcorp / SkyChannel / RadioTAB. Brett Davis also spent 2 years with the Singapore Turf Club and 13 Racing Seasons with the Hong Kong Jockey Club between 2006 to 2019 as a leading Form Analyst / Race Caller and was the HKJC Chief Race Caller from 2014, calling the last 5 Hong Kong International (Turf World Championships) race meetings and over 50 G1 races. Brett has immense passion for Australian Racing both personally and professionally. With his diverse knowledge and long standing industry relations he’s a valuable asset to racing and it’s enthusiasts. | |
Ellerslie Racecourse – Track Analysis (New Zealand Derby):
Ellerslie Racecourse is the home for racing in the city of Auckland and hosts several of New Zealand’s biggest races, including the New Zealand Derby. As a racecourse, Ellerslie is an undulating turf track which hosts both flat and jumps racing. Ellerslie has a circumference of just under 1900m and a home straight of 380m in length. Races are run in a clockwise direction at Ellerslie, just like they are in Hong Kong.
New Zealand Derby will be held on the first day of Auckland Cup Week, one of the biggest weeks of racing in New Zealand. The rail will be in the true position for New Zealand Derby, therefore, the track should race fairly and allow for horses from all positions in the field to be able to win.
The New Zealand Derby for the staying 3YOs has a long and rich history, and the 2400m distance of the race is regarded as providing a true stamina test for the classic generation. This prestigious race has been won by past greats like BONECRUSHER, THE PHANTOM CHANCE, XCELLENT and MONGOLIAN KHAN.
The 2400m race starts from the top of home straight. The field has a long straight run before they get to the first turn, and recent history suggests that barrier draws are not of the greatest significance, as both low and wide draws have provided the winner of the race. Once the field leaves the straight on the first occasion, they will go up the rise and over the crossing of jump racing, before entering the back section of the track with around 1500m to travel. The field will then work their way along the back straight before they face the long, sweeping bend at the 900m, which is slightly downhill and eventually takes them into the home straight and the run for Derby glory.
Last year’s New Zealand Derby was run on a soft track and was won by ROCKET SPADE. Under a stellar ride from Craig Grylls, ROCKET SPADE settled at the tail of the field and defied a moderate tempo to weave through and win, beating MILFORD and FRONTMAN. After that, ROCKET SPADE contended for the Australian Derby before heading to Hong Kong and joining Caspar Fownes’ stable.
At this stage, dry conditions are forecast leading into the meeting, consequently, it is anticipated that the races will be run on a good track. As always though, the earlier races on the program prior to the simulcast will be useful to take note of for the most up to date track and weather conditions.
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