A full field of emerging stayers is set to converge on Morphettville this Saturday for the latest Group 1 of the Adelaide Autumn Racing Carnival, where the first emergency, Accidental Bid, has surprisingly surged to the top of 2026 South Australian Derby betting.
Silvasista is one of the best in South Australian Derby betting this weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
The Group 1 $1 million SA Derby (2518m), a race with a storied history of uncovering elite talent, sees the Ciaron Maher-trained Phoenix Of Spain colt, Accidental Bid, installed as the horse to beat.
Despite being the first emergency and needing a scratching to gain a spot in the final 16-horse field, bookmakers are taking no risks, with the colt firming into $3.10 at Ladbrokes.
The hype is bolstered by the booking of South Australian mainstay John Allen, who will jump from barrier two if the colt gains a start.
Jockey John Allen chases his fifth SA Derby win since 2015 partnering Saturday’s favourite Accidental Bid!
Allen has a formidable record in this classic, having steered four winners to victory since 2015, most recently with Explosive Jack (2021) for the Maher stable.
He maintains his partnership with Accidental Bid following two dominant wins at Pakenham.
The colt is currently third-up and peak fit.
After a first-up win over 1600m on Soft ground, he stepped up to 2000m on a Heavy track to produce a staggering seven-length demolition in BM62 company while carrying 60.5kg.
His ability to handle all conditions and his versatile racing style make him a formidable top fancy.
Occupying the second line of betting at $4.50 is the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Silvasista.
Luke Currie retains the ride on the Toronado filly, who is hunting a hat-trick of wins.
She arrives off the back of a career-best performance at Flemington on April 25, where she powered home from midfield to win the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) by a decisive 3.5 lengths.
Her staying credentials are beyond doubt, having also scored over 2200m at Donald the start prior.
Fillies have won the past two editions of the SA Derby with Coco Sun (2024) and Femminile (2025)!
On the third line of betting at $5 is the Dominic Sutton-trained After Summer.
She is bidding to continue the recent dominance of fillies in this race, following in the footsteps of Coco Sun (2024) and Femminile (2025).
A daughter of The Autumn Sun, After Summer was third in the VRC Oaks last spring and has franked that form this autumn.
She was narrowly denied in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes before finishing a close third behind Ohope Wins in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m).
While she must contend with a wide draw, her elite-level consistency makes her a major player.
Two other runners remain under double figures: the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained Engine Of War ($7.50) and Matt Cumani’s Single Choice ($9.50).
Engine Of War enters the fray on a quick backup following a fourth-place finish in the Group 3 Chairman’s (2000m) last Saturday.
Daniel Stackhouse takes the ride on the fit fourth-up contender.
Single Choice, meanwhile, is chasing his third win from four starts after a dominant victory in the Listed 3YO SWP (2400m) at Caulfield on April 11.
The 2026 South Australian Derby is set as Morphettville Race 8 at 4:05 pm (ACST) / 4:35 pm (AEST).
2026 South Australian Derby Field & Barriers
| No | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Barrier | Weight | Age | Sex | Last Starts | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single Choice | Jamie Mott | Matt Cumani | 5 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | x2151 | $427,400 |
| 2 | Impulsive Reaction | Daniel Moor | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 10 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 2161 | $115,605 |
| 3 | Kaye Jay | Mark Zahra | Clayton Douglas | 12 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 21434 | $188,450 |
| 4 | Autumn Mystery | Brad Rawiller | Rory Hunter | 3 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | x0709 | $289,085 |
| 5 | Savisanta | Jye Mcneil | Chris Waller | 16 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 18520 | $210,185 |
| 6 | Geneva | Rory Hutchings | Kylie Hoskin | 4 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 71631 | $191,867 |
| 7 | Amazake | Ben Melham | Ciaron Maher | 17 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 0x243 | $106,690 |
| 8 | Engine Of War | Daniel Stackhouse | Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | 8 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 0x274 | $68,807 |
| 9 | Flying Brant | Jason Holder | Stephen Theodore | 13 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 21253 | $46,250 |
| 10 | Arabian Prince | Jamie Melham | Michael Kent | 19 | 56.5kg | 3 | C | 6×012 | $90,275 |
| 11 | Cannae | Craig Williams | Danny O’brien | 14 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 4123 | $65,000 |
| 12 | Wigmore | Teo Nugent | Phillip Stokes | 6 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 12547 | $51,522 |
| 13 | Strictly Business | John Allen | Thomas Carberry | 1 | 54.5kg | 3 | F | 1×580 | $711,750 |
| 14 | After Summer | Billy Egan | Dominic Sutton | 18 | 54.5kg | 3 | F | 3×623 | $400,475 |
| 15 | Silvasista | Luke Currie | Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | 9 | 54.5kg | 3 | F | 12011 | $262,875 |
| 16 | Kazaru | Jacob Opperman | Phillip Stokes | 20 | 54.5kg | 3 | F | 21147 | $173,700 |
| 17 | Accidental Bid | John Allen | Ciaron Maher | 2 | 56.5kg | 3 | C | 20×11 | $50,023 |
| 18 | Lunar Force | Unknown | Robbie Griffiths | 7 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 1426 | $34,715 |
| 19 | Shotaro | Todd Pannell | Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | 11 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 73521 | $29,220 |
| 20 | Borchard | Unknown | Leah Conlon | 15 | 56.5kg | 3 | G | 09515 | $13,900 |
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