VALLEY GIRL
filly, Mastercraftsman-Leigh Valley
Trainers: Donna Logan (Habibi 2013) & Chris Gibbs
Jockey: Danielle Johnson (no Derby wins)
6 starts
3 wins
0 seconds
1 third
NZ$236,125
1st Herbie Dyke Stakes (G1 against older horses)
3rd Eight Carat Classic
4th Trevor Eagle Memorial
5th Royal Stakes
My opinion is that this filly's win in the Herbie Dyke was the best performance all season by any of the horses in this Derby field. She was amazing that day.
Her trainers have reported that she's made excellent progress since that win, and they would know - in the last three years the Logan team has gone to the Derby with Habibi (1st 2013), Rising Romance (2nd 2014) and Volkstok'n'barrell (2nd 2015).
We know this horse has the talent, and I believe she has the stamina as well. In an even group, Valley Girl is my top choice for this year's Derby.
Odds: 8