Racing: Universal confidence in Prince's camp for Derby

It is one of Australia's toughest races. MIKLE DILLON looks at the $A1 million Victoria Derby

If bookmakers were as confident as trainer Bede Murray, Universal Prince would be a $1.50 shot in today's $A1 million Victoria Derby.

Murray thinks Universal Prince is certain to beat raging favourite Skalato and did not mind saying so at the Derby press conference yesterday.

The New South Wales trainer almost dismisses the fact that Skalato beat Universal Prince pointless in last Saturday's $A120,000 AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley.

"This will be a different race," he says.

"This is a staying contest and I've got the best stayer."

Skalato certainly had too much brilliance down the short Moonee Valley home straight over 2040m a week ago and Murray is counting on the 2500m on a much more testing Flemington being the decider.

That and fitness.

"The track conditions at Moonee Valley were not to his liking. He moved up to in and did not go on the last bit, but his fitnes levels have picked up this week.

"He's thrived so much lately that I've really been able to work hm hard."

Murray's only concern is the weather. He walked the track late yesterday and felt it was considerably better than the official heavy rating the Victoria Racing Club issued last night.

"If it doesn't rain again it should be close enough to dead (easy) and that would not be too unsuitable. The better the track the better he'll like it.

"The other factor is the middle section of the track. I believe that is the worst part of it and I wouldn't like to see my horse making his run at the leaders too wide."

Sydney rider Justin Sheehan is even more confident than Murray.

Asked where his confidence came from he said: "From absolute faith in my horse.

"Last week was always a lead-up and the Derby was always going to be the grand final.

"Bede has done a great job - he's trained this horse to perfection.

"There has to be a doubt Skalato can run a strong 2500m. I think my horse will win and win well.

"I think he's a good thing and I'll ride him like one."

Strong stuff when you realise Bede Murray has yet to train a winner in Melbourne and that his maiden victory will have to be in a $A1 million race.

The 2500m at Flemington is a dour test for these horses, many of whom have just turned three years and a couple of runners who have not reached that point.

One who will definitely stay is New Zealand-bred Sale Of The Century, trained by John Hawkes for a syndicate which includes former jockey and form analyst and media commentator Ron Dufficy.

Dufficy selected and purchased Sale Of The Century from the Karaka sale ring, kept him when the colt failed to reach his reserve at a breeze up sale in Sydney and is now very pleased he did.

Like many on the day, Sale Of The Century looked to be struggling in the conditions at Moonee Valley last Saturday. He was last at the 700m in the AAMI Vase and did remarkably well to get up for third, even though a margin back from Skalato and Universal Prince.

This Derby will be a different race and look to Sale Of The Century and Larry Cassidy to be running into it late.

Those looking for some value, particularly if the track stays wet, should look toward Bush Padre.

Trainer Lee Freedman paid a $A55,000 late entry fee on Monday for Bush Padre.

The gelding completed a hat-trick at only his fourth start when he came from second last to win the Derby Trial Stakes at Geelong last Sunday and has been well-backed this week.