Firmers and drifters ahead of Group One fest

PUNTERS keep rallying for Captain Ravishing despite his tough draw in tomorrow night's Victoria Derby at Tabcorp Park Melton.

Unbeaten from three starts since joining Emma Stewart's stable, including his Derby heat, Captain Ravishing has drawn barrier 10 in the Blue Riband.

Opening at $2 with TAB Fixed Odds, the three-year-old is in to $1.75, with Leap To Fame the only other runner under doubler figures at $2.90.

Set to begin from barrier five, Leap To Fame is aiming to complete a rare clean sweep of the east coast Derbys, having won the New South Wales and Queensland classics.

The trio of Group Ones have been run simultaneously since the Queensland Derby was introduced to the racing calendar in 1969.

As it stands, only three pacers Paleface Adios in 1973, Courage Under Fire in 1999 and Captain Joy in 2009 have won the three.

Elsewhere on the card, Honolua Bay has been the best backed in the Victoria Cup, firming from $9 to $6 from barrier five.

A stablemate of Captain Ravishing, Honolua Bay has drawn barrier five, with $2.70 favourite, Expensive Ego, in gate two.

In the opposite direction, punters are staying away from New Zealand raider Copy That, which has drifted from $9 to $18 despite commanding early money in 'All In' market.

Copy That will come from the inside of the second row.