Trainer Chris Waller has given Relucent the same preparation as 2014 winner Preferment in the lead up to the 2019 Group 1 $2m AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Hugh Bowmanl above, rides Relucent in the 2019 Victoria Derby at Flemington. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Hugh Bowmanl above, rides Relucent in the 2019 Victoria Derby at Flemington. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Preferment was unplaced in a Warwick Farm Maiden before finishing second in the Listed $140,000 Geelong Classic (2200m) at Geelong as he final run before winning the Victoria Derby and Relucent’s preparation has been identical.

Relucent was runner up as favourite in a 1600m Warwick Farm Maiden before heading to Geelong for a third to Long Jack in the Geelong Classic as his final Victoria Derby lead up run.

“I am really happy with his condition, his preparation, we have followed a very similar path as we did with Preferment, almost a carbon copy,” Waller said.

“I am excited about his chances on Saturday.”

Hugh Bowman rides Relucent (barrier 4) in the Victoria Derby and Waller said that the star hoop was pleased with the way the Savabeel three year old went through his paces on Tuesday morning at Flemington.

“Very happy. Hugh Bowman was aboard Relucent and he loved the way he worked. He stretched out nicely on his own,” Waller said.

Relucent is at the double figure odds of $16 at Ladbrokes.com.au for the 2019 Victoria Derby while the Mark Newnham trained Shadow Hero sits at the top of the market order at $3.20 just ahead of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace’s Thought Of That at $3.40.

Betting for the 2019 Victoria Derby at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.20 Shadow Hero, $3.40 Thought Of That, $4.80 Soul Patch, $9 Warning, $16 Relucent, $18 Southern Moon, $19 Long Jack, $34 Independent Road,  $41 Translator, Huntly Castle, $67 Craftsmanship, $81 He Is,  $101 Sign Seal Deliver, $201 Navarre, Lucky Edward.

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