WATC Derby – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the $400,000 WATC Derby with 12 geldings and one filly. Eleven of the boys had their last start in the Listed Melvista Stakes over 2200m on March 26, while the other came through a Pinjarra maiden over 2206m on March 24. The filly won the Group 3 WA Oaks, over 2400m on March 26. Trainers Steve Wolfe, Adam Durrant and Daniel & Ben Pearce each have two runners.

It seems strange to have a WATC Derby without any Grant Williams horses after he has won this race nine times beginning in 2011. Also absent is jockey William Pike who has won this race 10 times but moved to Sydney due to the Covid 10 vaccine mandates.

The early favourite is Alaskan God who won the Melvista Stakes after winning all three other previous starts this campaign. Second favourite is Trix Of The Trade who came 2nd in that race. Third favourite is Lady Chant who was the winner of the WA Oaks.

Outspoken Lad finished 3rd in the Melvista, Hear Me Sing finished 4th, Henchard finished 9th while Pale Rider finished 8th.  All other runners are currently 25 to 1 or longer.

1. Trix Of The Trade

This Trade Fair gelding trained by Colin Webster has seven wins and three places from his 10 starts which is an impressive record. He won the first four starts this campaign including the Listed Western Australian Breeders Classic, Listed WATC Challenge Stakes and Listed Lex Piper Stakes. After that he was 0.3 length 2nd in the Listed JC Roberts Stakes over 1800m then came from the back of the field for a length 2nd in the Melvista Stakes. Troy Turner rode him in all those races and is riding again.  Should fight out the finish.

2. Hear Me Sing

One of two runners for Steve Wolfe. He hasn’t finished further back than 4th at his last nine starts. Followed 2nd in the Lex Piper with 4th in the JC Roberts then 4th in the Melvista. Won’t be too far away.

3. Alaskan God

This Playing God gelding trained by Daniel Morton was won four of his five starts with his only failure being his first run. His last three runs/wins have all been at Ascot and each time he has run on from well back in the field. He won by over 3 lengths over 1800m on 13 March then was a length winner of the Melvista Stakes on 26 March where he beat most of this field. One of the main chances and probably wins.

4. Pale Rider

Won over 1800m at Ascot on 19 March, then was 4 lengths 8th in the Melvista after being tightened at the 200m. Has drawn the widest barrier and is a rough place chance.

5. Henchard

This gelding is one of two runners in the race sired by Blackfriars (the other is Black Fantasy), and is one of two runners for Adam Durrant. He won his first start this campaign then was placed in the Lex Piper and JC Roberts before leading early in the Melvista and finishing 4.5 lengths 9th.  That was the only time in his seven start career that he hasn’t been in the trifecta. Has drawn the inside barrier and could place.

6. Black Fantasy

One of two runners for Daniel & Ben Pearce, this Blackfriars gelding has one win and five places from his eight starts. He ran on from 11th at the 400m to make ground out wide and finish 4 lengths 6th in the Melvista. He is one of the few runners in this race who looks as if the extra distance will suit. Solid place hope.

7. Let’sdeal

One of the Steve Wolfe runners. He has two wins and two places from seven starts but has not won in four outings to Ascot. Finished 13th of 15 in the Melvista Stakes. Looking elsewhere.

8. Outspoken Lad

This gelding is one of two runners in the race sired by Awesome Rock (the other is Lautre). One of the Daniel & Ben Pearce runners. He finished 2.6 lengths 5th in the JC Roberts then 1.6 lengths 3rd in the Melvista Stakes at big odds. Capable of placing.

9. Disengo

One of the Adam Durrant runners. Finished 7th in the Melvista and has only one win from 11 starts. Prefer to watch.

10. Lautre

This Awesome Rock gelding trained by Brett Pope has two wins and two places from 10 starts and both wins were over 1800m. He finished 5.8 lengths 11th in the Melvista. This looks too strong.

11. Tell Nothin’

Won a 2200m Pinjarra maiden by 2 lengths four starts ago , but was last in the Lex Piper and 10th in the Melvista. Looking elsewhere.

12. Northeast Eagle

This So You Think gelding is the only maiden runner in the race, and came 4th in a Pinjarra maiden over 2206m at his latest start. Trainer Lindsey Smith has won this race before with Old Money in 2001 and Plastered in 2005, but I don’t think he will be winning this year. Looks outclassed.

13. Lady Chant

The only filly in the race this year, this girl placed in maiden races at her first three starts before a 0.3 length win in the Group 2 WA Oaks at start number four. She is the only horse in the race to have won at the distance and carries 2 kg less than the boys. Jockey Jason Whiting has won this race before aboard Guyno in 2007. One of the main chances.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips
3 Alaskan God
1 Trix Of The Trade
13 Lady Chant
6 Black Fantasy