2025 Victorian Derby Review: What The Jockeys Said

Plenty of next-start winners in the Victorian Derby — Miewa, Autumn Mystery, and One Step Closer look ready to fire next run, while Deal Done Fast and Providence are knocking on the door. Check out what all the jockeys had to say in our full post-race wrap — there’s value ahead for punters.

It is always important to hear what the jockeys say after the race as you can forgive a horses bad run or even find a winner next start so head to the post race comments below.

Michael Dee (Azazel  – 16th)

He came into the race, I thought he was going to sort of keep running along, but when he can’t get his toe in, he just doesn’t feel that comfortable.

Thomas Stockdale (Matsuda  – 15th)

Navigated into the three-wide line for a bit of cover from the outside draw. Ultimately he failed to settle which told in his finish. With more maturity on his side, he’ll be a better horse.

Jamie Melham (Mcwoody  – 14th)

Third start in a race definitely showed today, he was just very immature and didn’t know what was going on. Probably needs a break to mature a bit now.

Declan Bates (Amazake  – 13th)

Ok. He just grinded his way home. Didn’t have the smoothest run in transit but he’s a horse that will mature a bit more and over time he’ll get the trip, no worries.

Jamie Mott (Highvol – 12th)

He had a good run outside the winner. I felt he’s just at the end of it.

Tommy Berry (Engine Of War  – 11th)

He just wasn’t able to execute that first couple of furlongs, trying to get cover with him, always going to make it tough for him. He stuck on okay.

Harry Coffey (Options – 10th)

Got a nice run today after jumping well, travelled really well throughout. It was a bit tight at the top of the straight, which sort of hampered his momentum, and then probably fully didn’t round it out late on the firming track.

Kerrin McEvoy (O’Sheamus – 9th)

He was in great order. Probably wasn’t suited by a dash home, when I was building his momentum he got a little bit of a squeeze which didn’t assist but he stayed on well.

Blake Shinn (Autumn Mystery – 8th)

Draw was always going to be tricky for him, had to go back, pace slowed mid race, didn’t have a lot of luck getting through but he hit the line well.

Jordan Childs (Miewa – 7th)

Went super. Ended up back, had a nice enough cart into the race, got out and he hit the line well. He’s going well.

Ben Melham (Savisanta – 6th)

He ran well. Had every hope from the good draw, probably appreciate more give.

Craig Williams (Providence – 5th)

He ran really well; he stayed well today, relaxed. The favourite, the winner, controlled the race, was too dominant, but my horse is good and I think he has a lot of upside.

Jye McNeil (One Step Closer – 4th)

He ran fantastic, got a little bit further back than intended. Relaxed good, had a nice run through and ran super.

Daniel Stackhouse (Deal Done Fast – 3rd)

He was great. We use the barrier to settle and find a rhythm. When it turned into a sit and sprint he was a little bit flatfooted but got to the line very well.

John Allen (Arcora – Second)

He ran super. We had a got run but the leader probably got a little bit soft in front which didn’t help our cause but we got within a length of it and for a stride I thought we’d get past it. My horse was very brave.

Mark Zahra (Observer – Winner)

What a day. It’s great riding for the best trainers. They do their job, I do my job and what a great day. I ummed and ahhed whether to lead, but speaking to Ciaron (Maher) he gave me great confidence. I heard him say he’ll run it, so if you want to lead, just do it. He never switches right off, he’s always on the bridle, but he’s a tough. He’s just like his old man and late, when they got to him, he found again. It was a very good victory.

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