WATC Derby – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 8 runners for the Group 2 WATC Derby with 4 geldings and 4 fillies. Three of the geldings had their last start in the Listed Melvista Stakes over 2200m at Ascot on 25 March, and three of the fillies had their last start in the in the Group 3 WA Oaks over 2400m at Ascot on 25 March. Trainer Daniel Morton has two runners.

The early favourite is Awesome John from the John O’Shea stable who was 3rd in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes last outing. A close second favourite is WA Oaks winner She’s Fit.  Third favourite is Another Chino who won the Melvista Stakes. Demolish finished 2nd in that race. All other runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Another Chino (2)

One of two runners for trainer Daniel Morton (the other is She’s Fit). He has won his last 3 races and has a career record of 4 wins from 7 starts. He won a Class One Handicap over 1800m on 22 February, the Listed J.C. Roberts Stakes over 1800m on 12 March and the Melvista Stakes over 2200m on 25 March. Loves this track and will run well.

2. Demolish (3)

He has been runner-up at his last 3 starts  – the Listed Lex Piper Stakes over 1600m, the J.C. Roberts and the Melvista. He was only picked off in the final stride last time and should be in the first few home again.

3. Awesome John (8)

The only eastern states raider in the race. He ran 3 lengths 6th in the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes on 11 March, then was 0.5 length 3rd in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes over 2000m on 25 March. Untried at this distance. Gets the services of William Pike. In the mix.

4. Playhouse Patron (4)

Was 4th in the Roberts where he kept coming gamely and looked like a stayer in the making. then was 0.4 length 3rd in the Melvista where he had the best closing splits of the race. Respect.

5. She’s Fit (1)

The only runner with a win at this distance. She broke her maiden with a 2.3 length win in the Listed Natasha Stakes at her 5th race start on 12 March, then went on to win the WA Oaks by 1.7 lengths on 25 March. Carries 1 kg less here and looks a major chance.

6. Megami (5)

After being slowly away she chased solidly to finish 2.3 lengths 2nd in the Natasha, then ran 3.5 lengths 4th in the WA Oaks. Hasn’t been further back than 4th at her last 8 starts.

7. Bernbrae (6)

Finished 6th in the Natasha then was 2nd in the WA Oaks. In the mix.

8. Celebrity Icon (7)

Won a 2200m maiden race at Pinjarra Scarpside on 23 March, then finished 7 lengths 10th over 2200m at Belmont on 29 March. Looks safely held.

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

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 6. Megami.