Sacred Elixir back on track for Vic Derby

New Zealand three-year-old Sacred Elixir has been promoted to the top of Victoria Derby betting with his win in a lead-up race at Moonee Valley.

Sacred Elixir took out the Lucrf Super Vase on Saturday, the final lead-up for the three-year-olds heading to the Derby and had his odds cut from $8 to $4.40 for next week’s Classic.

The Vase last year was taken out by last week’s Caulfield Cup winner Jameka who went on to win the VRC Oaks while Tarzino finished third before going on to Derby success.

Ridden by Damian Lane, Sacred Elixir was sent out the $4.60 favourite in scoring a half-length win from Morvada ($51) with So Si Bon ($6) 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Trainer Tony Pike was pleased to see his Derby plans were back on track following his win on Saturday.

After scoring first-up at Caulfield last month, Sacred Elixir finished eighth to Divine Prophet in the Caulfield Guineas on October 8.

“After getting beaten in the Guineas there was a little bit of doubt creeping in, but it was a good strong win today and he relaxed well,” Pike said.

Pike removed the blinkers from Sacred Elixir on Saturday in an effort to get the gelding to settle.

“He got fired up before the Guineas and over-raced which was probably the telling factor,” Pike said.

“He was good today, he switched off without the blinkers off and was strong strong to the line.

“The bigger flatter Flemington track and the extra ground is going to suit him.”