This year’s Derby shapes up to be a cracker, says Mark Read of IASbet.com.

“Shamoline Warrior ($3.20) has drawn wide in barrier nine, however, he’ll likely take a sit just behind the main group and shouldn’t be disadvantaged from there,” said Read. “He’s been very impressive in his past two runs and deserves his outright favouritism.

“Rockferry ($5.00) was an absolute moral beaten in the Geelong Classic and could provide punters plenty of value. He will relish the big track and I think he may show us what he’s made of. I’ll be on Rockferry with a saver on Shamoline Warrior.”

Of the other Group 1 races, Read expects Demerit ($7.00) to give Irish Lights ($6.00) a run for her money in the Coolmore. “When the field splits, I expect these two to beat their respective groups home, with Irish Lights on the inside from barrier 1 and Demerit hitting the grandstand rail from barrier 10. It will just depend on which group is fastest!

“Rangirangdoo ($3.50) destroyed his rivals in the Crystal Mile, and I think he’ll do the same against a crack field in the Mackinnon Stakes. He’ll get a nice sit from barrier 4 and I can see Corey Brown unleashing him with about 400m to go and swamping the front-runners. Quite a few runners in this race are fine-tuning for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup and it will be an interesting race.

“Typhoon Tracy ($2.10) is far superior against her own sex, though has drawn poorly in the Myer Classic. Lady Lynette ($15.00) provides excellent value based on her last run at the Valley and is a solid each way chance.”