WATC Derby

See the 2024 WATC Derby Preview and results.

See the 2023 WATC Derby Preview and results.

See the 2022 WATC Derby Preview and results.

See the 2021 WATC Derby Preview and results.

The WATC Derby is Perth’s leading staying race for three-year-olds. It was first held as a 12 furlong principal race in 1888 when it was won by Harridan, and it became a Group 1 race in 1979. In 2011 it was worth $500,000 and after that running it was downgraded to a Group 2 race so that the Winterbottom Stakes could become a Group 1. This meant that Perth maintained three Group 1 races each year. The WATC Derby is the major race held in Perth in the autumn.

In recent years the Melvista Stakes over 2200 metre has been the main lead-up race for the WATC Derby and it is not uncommon for horses to win the Melvista Stakes – WATC Derby double. Fillies often use the Group 3 WA Oaks over 2400 metres as their lead-up. The WATC Derby weights are 56.5 kg for colts and geldings and 54.5 kg for fillies.

Because the WATC Derby coincides with the end of the Sydney Autumn Carnival it attracts the best local three-year-olds but few interstate raiders. Some interstate horses will make the trip in search of a Group level victory such as Chartreaux (2010) who won a 2500 metre race at Flemington before winning the WATC Derby and travelled from Victoria. Because of this the WATC Derby tends to be won by above average horses rather than true elite types, which is the major reason it lost Group 1 status.

Last filly to win; Tuscan Queen (2020)

Fastest time (2400m): Firing Range (Dec 1993) 2:27:8

WA Oaks & WATC Derby: Tuscan Queen (2020); Delicacy (2015); Dreamaway (2011); Honor Lap (2002); Old Money (2000); Beaux Art (1994).

Leading jockeys: William Pike with 10 wins (Western Empire 2021, Tuscan Queen 2020, Regal Power 2019, Action 2018, Arcadia Dream 2016, Delicacy 2015, Respondent 2014, Dreamaway 2011, Grand Journey 2008, Cats Fun 2006). Frank Moore rode 7 winners in the 1950s and 60s.

Leading trainers: Grant Williams (along with Alana from 2018) with 9 wins (Western Empire 2021, Tuscan Queen 2020, Regal Power 2019, Action 2018, Arcadia Dream 2016, Delicacy 2015, Respondent 2014, Mystic Prince 2013, Dreamaway 2011). Bart Cummings trained 4 winners.

Interesting trivia: 2018 winner Action and 2019 winner Regal Power  are full brothers by Pierro from Broadway Belle.

Winners may go on to win the Group 2 Perth Cup over 3200 metres in later years. 2006 WATC Derby winner Cats Fun won the Perth Cup in 2008, and Guyno (2007) won the Perth Cup in 2009.

Track: Good    Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 16 runners plus two emergencies for the $400,000 Schweppes W.A.T.C. Derby, including 4 fillies. The favourite is Action who was unlucky when he ran 2^nd in the Lex Piper Stakes then was blocked and had to angle out to run on strongly for 5^th in the Melvista Stakes. Second favourite is Sentimental Friend who kept grinding to the line for 2^nd in the Melvista. Third favourite is Money Maher who finished strongly at his past 2 starts to win the JC Roberts Stakes then the Melvista Stakes.

Tellem We’re Comin won 2 races in a row before 6^th in the Melvista. Special Alert kept finding to win the WA Oaks over this distance last week. Like A Butterfly was 2^nd in the WA Oaks while Media Baron was 4^th in the Melvista.  Magical Charm and American Joy were 4^th and 3^rd respectively in the WA Oaks. All other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.