Track: Good   Weather: Fine

With the early scratching of Zipaway, 18 runners remain for the 2024 Schweppes W.A.T.C. Derby which has a field limit of 16. There are 12 geldings, 2 colts and 4 fillies. Nine of them had their last start in the Listed Melvista Stakes over 2200m at Ascot on 29th March (won by Buckets Ridge), four in the WA Oaks over 2400m at Ascot on 30th March (won by Own The Queen) and three in a 3YO+ Open Handicap over 2200m at Ascot on 29th March (won by Grand Reserve) while the other 3 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God and two by Awesome Rock. Trainers Grant & Alana Williams have 5 runners and Daniel Morton has 3.

The top 3 are fairly close in the market. The early favourite is Buckets Ridge who was a 1.5 length winner of the Melvista last start, beating many in this field. Second favourite is Own The Queen who has made a clean sweep of the fillies classics ending with the WA Oaks. Third favourite is A Lot Of Good Men who was runner-up in the Melvista. Lord Vampi was 6th in the Melvista following back-to-back wins, while Flash Of Dallas ran 3rd in the WA Oaks. The other runners are currently $14 or longer.

1. Zipaway (2)  – scratched

2. A Lot Of Good Men (4)

This colt was runner-up to Buckets Ridge in the Listed Melvista Stakes over 2200m at Ascot on 29th March. Before that he was 4th in the Listed J C Roberts Stakes over 1800m on 16th March, 2nd in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes over 1600m on 2nd March and 3rd in the Listed WATC Challenge Stakes over 1500m on 21st February. Always thereabouts and is one of the key chances.

3. Lord Vampi (18)

Was 6th in the Melvista following back-to-back wins, including winning the J C Roberts Stakes. He has 3 wins and 2 places from  starts. Drawn very wide but is still a place chance.

4. Autumn Rebel (1)

Ideally drawn but has finished worse than midfield at his last 4 starts, including 8th in the Melvista. This looks too strong.

5. Buckets Ridge (10)

Was a 1.5 length winner of the Melvista helped by a great ride from William Pike. Chance again.

6. Alaskan (5)

Finished 4th in the Melvista after being runner-up in the J C Roberts. Place chance.

7. In Good Order (19)

Drawn the extreme outside barrier. Has been racing well with 3rd in the Melvista after 2 lengths 5th in the J C Roberts. Sneaky chance.

8. Royal Toronado (14)

Hasn’t won or placed in 4 races at Ascot. Ran 9th in the Melvista and suspect he will struggle at the distance.

9. Why Me (3)

He’s had 5 races this campaign and hasn’t finished worse than 4th. This is his first black-type race and he will find it a lot tougher.

10. Grand Reserve (9)

Led all the way to win a 3YO+ Open Handicap over 2200m at Ascot on 29th March. Could surprise.

11. Simply (6)

Came from well back in the field to finish 3rd to Grand Reserve last start and looks as if the 2400m will suit. Has been running well this campaign. Don’t dismiss.

12. Knockoneback (13)

Broke his maiden 2 runs back over 1600m at Pinjarra then finished 0.3 length 3rd over 1800m at Ascot on 3rd April. Has ability but this looks too hard.

13. Rocking Society (12)

Was a 4 length winner of a 2000m maiden at Pinjarra on 14th March then ran 5th to Buckets Ridge last start. Not the worst.

14. Own The Queen (11)

Made a clean sweep of the fillies classics by winning the Listed 1000 Guineas over 1800m on 2nd March, the Listed Natasha Stakes over 2200m on 16th March and ending with the WA Oaks over 2400m at Ascot on 30th March. She’s already shown she can run the distance and I think she can beat the boys.

15. Starating (8)

Ran 5th in the WA Oaks, 2nd in the Natasha and 3rd in the 1000 Guineas. Will run her usual honest race.

16. Flash Of Dallas (16)

Ran 0.5 length 3rd in the WA Oaks at only her 3rd start. Could surprise.

17e. Beach Pad (7)

Won over 1412m at Pinjarra on debut then went straight into Listed races where she finished worse than midfield. Not sure she is a stayer.

18e. She’s Perfection (15)

Still a maiden after 6 starts. This is too hard.

19e. Manzor Magic (17)

Another 6 start maiden. Not here.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
14 Own The Queen
2 A Lot Of Good Men
5 Buckets Ridge
6 Alaskan

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2 A Lot Of Good Men
2nd	5 Buckets Ridge	2.18 lengths
3rd	3 Lord Vampi	2.39 lengths
4th	7 In Good Order	4.41 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 1. Zipaway, 18e. She’s Perfection, 19e. Manzor Magic.