Australian Derby May Be Written In Star's Aeliana

Well-known Sydney syndication hoping filly can give them a first gong in staying classic

- Michael Lee

Aeliana is the sole filly in the bumper 18-horse field facing the starter in the A$2 million (S$1.69 million) Group 1 Australian Derby (2,400m) at Randwick on April 5, but from barrier 2, she looks hard to beat.

The Chris Waller-trained Castelvecchio three-year-old ran a cracking second in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2,000m) at her last start on March 22.

She looked in some strife when buried midfield in amongst horses.

Not only was she struggling to find daylight, but she also got squeezed in between the fast-fading Savour The Dream and Majorca Sunset.

By the time Jason Collett had the three-time winner in clear air on the outside, Broadsiding had already pinched a decisive break.

She rattled home but it proved too little too late, falling short of a fourth success by a pimple.

There is little doubt in most observers' minds that she would have beaten Godolphin's colt fair and square had she got out of jail earlier.

Melbourne star hoop Damian Lane shuttles back to Sydney after a fruitful jaunt at the moved Tancred meeting at Rosehill on April 1.