Racing: Waller looks for repeat Derby win

The Grand Prix was Vilanova's third win from 22 starts. Photo / Thinkstock

The chances for Rosehill trainer Chris Waller of back-to-back Queensland Derby wins depend on which Vilanova turns up on the day.

The gelding emulated his stablemate Hawkspur with a dominant win in Saturday's Grand Prix Stakes at Doomben to become favourite for the June 7 Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm.

Waller concedes Vilanova mixes his form but hopes the win will give him confidence as he tries to claim the double Hawkspur achieved a year ago.

"He is frustrating. He needs things to go his way and I think he's better on a wet track. I just hope this gives him confidence and he can repeat that win."

The Grand Prix was Vilanova's third win from 22 starts and his first since he won the Autumn Classic at Moonee Valley in February.

In four previous starts before the Grand Prix, Vilanova had been a regular in the stewards' reports for slow starts and mid-race incidents which hampered his progress.

He showed his promise when he ran second in the BRC Sires' Produce Stakes a year ago and Waller ended up with the same result when Brazen Beau missed the start on Saturday and ran second to Time For War.

That didn't alter bookmakers' opinions with Brazen Beau still the $2.50 favourite for the group one JJ Atkins (1600m) on Derby Day.

Randwick winner Almalad firmed to $6.50 second favouritism to give Gai Waterhouse consecutive wins in the final group one 2-year-old race for the season.

Almalad goes to the JJ Atkins at just his third start but Waterhouse says that is no problem nor is the distance rise from 1200 to 1600m.

"It won't worry him. He is a very exciting horse."

- AAP