Sacred Elixir now Derby favourite

Cambridge gelding Sacred Elixir shortened into favourite for the A$2 million Victoria Derby on October 29 with his narrow win at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The winner of the JJ Atkins at the Queensland Winter Carnival, was $8 before the win and is now at $4.40.

Sacred Elixir settled third before becoming blocked in a pocket as several runners improved around the outside at the 900m.

Damian Lane didn't panic and resisted the temptation to take a run in the slower footing on the inside and waited until well into the home straight.

“Once the gap came he fairly flew,” said Lane. “It was a great Derby trial.”

Sacred Elixir won by a half-length ahead of Morvada with So Si Bon a further 1.25 lengths away, third.

They may have been behind Sacred Elixir on Saturday but Morvada ($17), So Si Bon ($7.00) and Moonee Valley Vase fifth-placegetter Prized Icon ($17) were other notable market movers for the Derby.

However, as with any Victoria Derby, how many of his rivals will run out the stamina-stretching 2500 metres?

“It's hard to tell and I really haven't been through the form for the Derby and we just wanted to get through today first,” Pike told The Age when asked about how the gelding would cope with the 2500m.

“Once he got clear he wobbled around the corner a little bit, but he was strong late which augurs well for next week,” Pike said.

“I always thought he was a Derby horse and he's got a real stayer's pedigree.

“He's had the blinkers off today, switched off and was strong to the line. Flemington will probably suit him down to the ground.”