Walker tests Derby bid with Truth Or Dare

The Mark Walker-trained galloper heads to the Listed ABC Bullion Super Impose Stakes (1800m) on Saturday with the gelding's performance to tell the trainer whether or not to press on to the Group 1 Penfolds Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 2. 

The Super Impose Stakes has been a good guide to the Derby in recent years with Polanski (2013), Extra Brut (2018), Warning (2019) and Riff Rocket (2023) all completing the double. 

Truth Or Dare has only had the three starts to date and registered his first win when making his Australian debut in a 1600m maiden at Cranbourne on September 19, having raced first-up when third at Te Rapa over 1200m in August. 

Walker is expecting the Flemington track to suit Truth Or Dare on Saturday. 

"I think the big track will suit him," Walker said. 

"His win was good because he jumped from 1200 (metres) to a mile and being on the tighter track (at Cranbourne) it took him a while to get wound up. 

"But it was a good win, and obviously it's a step up on Saturday, but he should like Flemington." - Mark Walker

Walker said the Derby had been in the back of his mind when Truth Or Dare started his campaign, and the team took a punt on sending the gelding to his Cranbourne stables. 

It paid a dividend straight away with the first-up Cranbourne win. 

"We took a bit of a punt to bring him over here after his first-up run, but it was so wet at home," Walker said. 

"Luckily, he's gone the right way, and he worked well on Tuesday with Michael Dee on and then he spent some time down at the beach. 

"Hopefully he's up to it."