Volatile Mix Ready for Queensland Derby

Jockey John Allen remains confident that Volatile Mix will still prove extremely tough to beat in Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby (2200m), despite the race having been moved to Doomben Racecourse.

Volatile Mix is primed for Saturday's Group 1 Queensland Derby at Doomben Racecourse. Photo: Jenny Barnes

Volatile Mix is primed for Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby at Doomben Racecourse. Photo: Jenny Barnes

Volatile Mix has been a strong and consistent performer throughout his entire racing career so far, but has undoubtedly found his best form this time in; winning the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) on May 13th before arriving in Brisbane for a close second in the Group 2 Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) a fortnight ago.

While conceding that the Pentire gelding probably would have been better on the Eagle Farm track and over 2400m, Allen is thrilled with the horse’s condition and believes that his class alone will place him right in the finish of the Queensland Derby.

“I’m on Volatile Mix in the Derby and I think he’s in with a great chance,” Allen told Racing Victoria.

“For him, we probably would’ve preferred if the race was still at Eagle Farm but he did run well over 2200m last time so he looks to be in the mix.

“I think he’s come through it good but I’m going up there on Tuesday morning to gallop him so we’ll see how he goes there, but all reports are that he’s going well.”

Posting a career total of three wins and as many minors through ten competitive starts, Volatile Mix immediately stamped himself as a horse to follow when second at Echuca on debut in August, before again running second in a Geelong minor over 1715m on September 4th.

Breaking through for a maiden race win in the Malady Racing Day Maiden (1900m) on September 16th, the gelding out of Utopia placed fifth in the Emsley Racing BM64 (2000m) on October 7th and was sent to the paddock.

Resuming this time for fifth in a Bendigo 1400m on March 14th, Volatile Mix only continued to improve upon stepping up in distance and grade; winning the Porter Plate BM64 (1600m), finishing seventh in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) and fourth in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2030m) leading into his South Australian Derby triumph.

Volatile Mix is currently a $5 second-favourite in early 2017 Queensland Derby betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.