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Find out what the jockeys made of their mounts after the Group 1 $2,000,000 ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick.

Damian Lane (Aeliana): “She was extraordinary. She left the barriers well, just travelled great from the outset and felt a winner a long way out.

“I’m not riding in the best form of my life, I’ve ridden well for a long time. You just slowly build up to these opportunities. The cattle, doesn’t matter how good you ride, if you don’t have the horse underneath you, you can’t produce.

“It’s just been a really good progression the last five, six years of my career. I’ve been able to ride for bigger stables, get on better horses and get some really good opportunities. And this year has probably been as good a season as I’ve had. So really rewarding for hard work and just riding well consistently.”

Aeliana wins the Australian Derby

Tyler Schiller (Firm Agreement): “I think he is one of the most improved in that race. Has come through his last ruin terrific on Tuesday. Gee he has done a good job to run that trip out today. Bring on Queensland.”

Blake Shinn (Shanwah): “He was a bit slow out. Got a pair further back. Had a great run. Just a question mark at a strong 2400m.”

Michael Dee (Willydoit): “Super effort. Tried hard. Was tough and honest. Will improve next prep.”

Jamie Melham (Goldrush Guru): “That wasn’t much fun. When the tempo slackened the whole way my horse had his head up the whole way with no control. Wouldn't have been a pretty watch.”

Daniel Moor (Thedoctoroflove): “I thought he performed pretty bravely. He was caught a little wide from a sticky draw finding the back of Willydoit. Looked like he was going to drop out but rallied well late.”

Mark Zahra (Plymouth): “Ended up in front. Had a lovely lead. Just found a bit wanting late.”

Josh Parr (Pocketing): “He finished off well. Just dictated to by a slow tempo.”

Zac Lloyd (King Of Thunder): “He ran really well. Got himself into position. A bit one-paced up the straight. Only been beaten a length for second.”

Nash Rawiller (Golden Century): “I thought he ran well. It wasn’t really a staying test. He got out sprinted when the pressure went on. He still found the line. He is a typical kiwi bloke who is still putting it together.”

Ryan Moore (Imperialist): No Comment

Craig Williams (Mustang Morgan): “I was disappointed with his final performance and result. Had a lovely run throughout. Unless there is something underlying he felt like he didn’t really try too hard. Interested to see how he comes through the run.”

Tommy Berry (Confetti Garden): “It has all happened a bit too quick for him at the moment. He is a nice stayer for the future next prep.”

Ben Melham (Tsitsipas): “No luck posted on a limb.”

Chad Schofield (Autumn Aroha): “I thought he was brave. Got the trip nicely.”

Tom Sherry (Bernen Win): “Just a bit of strength this stage of his career.”

Ashley Morgan (Kosuke): “He was alright. Just wants another lap.”

Reece Jones (Flying Argento): “Felt like a messy race. Every time he dropped the bit something would drop in front or whiz around him.”

Check out the replays and results from Day 1 of The Star Championships at Royal Randwick