A capacity field of 16 three-year-olds will step out at Flemington this Saturday in the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m).
Riff Rocket has been the long-standing favourite for the $2 million feature since destroying his rivals in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m), and despite being nosed out in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) at his latest start, still maintains firm favouritism.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding opened +160 with online bookmakers after drawing perfectly in barrier five for Saturday's staying contest.
Apulia is clear on the second line of betting at +300 and will be searching for back-to-back wins after saluting in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) last Saturday.
Mark Zahra elects to stick aboard the colt by Fiorente and will jump from barrier three.
Verdad (+550) will be looking to turn the tables on Apulia on the one-week back up and will be aided in his quest from barrier four.
It is double-figure odds for every other runner engaged here, suggesting the VRC Derby may be a top-heavy affair.
Air Assault (+1000) will be partnered by Ben Allen for the first time, while John Allen will continue his association with Sunsets ($14.00) after steering him to victory in the Caulfield Classic.
The 2023 VRC Derby is the second leg of the Flemington quaddie on Saturday and is set to get underway at 4.20pm AEDT.