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Can the Chairman's Produce Another Derby Winner?

The result of Saturday's Group 3 Chairman's Stakes' will have a huge say in the fate of many Group 1 UBET SA Derby hopefuls as they look towards their grand final in two weeks' time.

The Phillip Stokes trained Grand Chancellor will be hoping to emulate last year's Chairman's winner, Howard Be They Name, who claimed both the traditional lead up races on route to winning the 2016 SA Derby. Grand Chancellor narrowly won the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas three weeks ago and will have the services of in form Victorian jockey Noel Callow. 

Four other runners come out of the Port Adelaide Guineas including locals Morvada and Angelucci along with interstate visitors Volatile Mix and Domesticated.

Interstate visitor Anaheim is sure to have plenty of admirers after running in three straight Group 1 races; last time finishing ninth in the Group 1 ATC Derby at the start of April.

Anthony & Edward Cummings are also set to bring Screamarr across from Sydney after his third placing in the Group 3 Frank Packer Plate.  

Interestingly the Lloyd Kennewell trained Angelucci is one of three maidens' in the field along with Barshonti and Aheckstar. No maiden has won the Chairman's in over 25 years, so history will be well and truly against these runners.

Leon Macdonald has won the Chairman's on three occasions, the most memorable being with Rebel Raider in 2009 when he went on to win the SA Derby as well. He will saddle up Waging War on Saturday with Clare Lindop in the saddle.

Previous Group 3 Chairman's Stakes Winners

Year Winner Starting Price Previous Run Next Run
2016 Howard Be Thy Name $2.60F 1st Listed Port Adelaide Guineas Morphettville 1800m 1st Group 1 South Australian Derby
2015 October Date $4.10 4th Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes Moonee Valley 2040m 15th Group 1 South Australian Derby
2014 Gamblin' Guru $3.10 1st Listed Port Adelaide Guineas Morphettville 1800m 4th Group 1 South Australian Derby
2013 Hioctdane $6.70 4th Listed Port Adelaide Guineas Morphettville 1800m 2nd Group 1 South Australian Derby
2012 Heaven's Riches $109 13th Handicap Caulfield 1700m 8th Group 1 South Australian Derby
2011 Kittens $12.90 10th Listed Port Adelaide Guineas Morphettville 1800m 4th Group 1 South Australian Derby

Looking back on previous winners, five of the past six winners have come out of black-type races in their previous start. Seven runners on Saturday will be out of similar class races. 

The last four years have seen fancied runners take out the race, while in 2012 Heaven's Riches made his followers very wealthy saluting at $109. 

While last year's winner Howard Be They Name went on to win the Derby, other previous winners have had mixed fortunes heading on to the Derby. Rebel Raider (09) and Markham (97) are the other two horses to do the Chairman's-Derby double in recent times.

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