Races

Runner by Runner: WATC Derby

Posted on | Posted by Scott Embry

1. Red Hot Tip (57.5kg)

Trainer: Stephen Miller
Jockey: Ryan Hill
Barrier: 3

Lightly raced son of Red Hot Choice at only start number 7. Winner of the Melvista Stakes at 2200m last start when leading and controlling from the front. That race overall was run at a fairly genuine tempo and he did have to fight off an attack from roughie Crezee at around the 1000m marker. Should again roll to the top and has a short sharp kick on him which keeps him in calculations over the staying journey.  

2. Midnight Blue (57.5kg)

Trainer: Grant & Alana Williams
Jockey: Peter Hall
Barrier: 10

Sectionally was the outstanding run in the Melvista Stakes. Fastest last 1200, 1000, 800, 600, 400 and 200 of the race. He was jumping out of the ground in the last furlong and looks like he will eat up the ground. Likely to settle last in the run but expecting Peter Hall to put him into the race at some stage to see how many of his opposition can really stay.  

3. Criminal Code (57.5kg)

Trainer: Tiarnna Robertson
Jockey: Joseph Azzopardi
Barrier: 7

Has contested the traditional lead up features; 7th in the Lex Piper (1600m), 4th in the JC Roberts (1800m) and 3rd in the Melvista (2200m). Was under pressure a fair way from home in the Melvista but never gave up the chase. Draw is not ideal but he showed versatility last start when settling over the speed for the first time in his career.   

4. Tuscan Queen (55.5kg)

Trainer: Grant & Alana Williams
Jockey: William Pike
Barrier: 2

What a CV she is starting to build: Group 3 Champion Fillies, Listed Natasha Stakes and a Group 3 WA Oaks, with the WATC Derby seemingly at her mercy. At the set weights she carries 2kg less than the boys and looks to have a stack more natural ability than any of them. Most have touted the girls as stronger than the boys for a fair while and she likely jumps deep in the red $1.50 (or shorter).  

5. Naughty By Nature (55.5kg)

Trainer: Jason Miller
Jockey: Clint Johnston-Porter
Barrier: 4

Her second placing to Superstorm in the Challenge Stakes got tongues wagging about the future of this exciting Trade Fair filly. Her run in the Ascot 1000 Guineas when 3 deep the trip was super but then the bubble burst in the Natasha Stakes when she enjoyed a great run before tiring noticeably in the straight. Went into the Oaks with a big query on her staying credentials but good horses stand-up under pressure, and that’s exactly what she did.   

6. Pambella (55.5kg)

Trainer: Neville Parnham
Jockey: Steven Parnham
Barrier: 5

Was sitting one out and two back in sixth placing at the 800 before being set alight by Steve Parnham in the Oaks. She made a fast move around them and went for home. The run was definitely stronger than it reads on paper; she was still there with 200m to go and really only tired in the final furlong (and was entitled to do so). Not without place claims.  

7. Miss Dominican (55.5kg)

Trainer: Fred Kersley
Jockey: Brad Parnham
Barrier: 6

After running 13th in the Ascot 1000 Guineas, was dropped back to midweek grade when beating the older horses at 1800m in a C1. She then returned to the fillies features and ran 3rd in the Oaks. Was a solid staying performance but Peter Hall elects to jump ship and take over the reins on Midnight Blue. Should enjoy a soft midfield passage for Brad Parnham.  

8. Cambist (55.5kg)

Trainer: Robyn Lockwood
Jockey: Kyra Yuill
Barrier: 1

Was a late scratching on the day of the Oaks with an eye injury. Consequentially comes into the Derby 4 weeks between runs but draws perfectly in gate 1. Kyra Yuill should have her sitting three back the fence, not doing an ounce of work and there is every chance she can then track Tuscan Queen into the race from the 600. Sensational in the Ascot 1000 Guineas from last.  

9. Samantha’s Twitch (55.5kg)

Trainer: Daniel Morton
Jockey: Jarrad Noske
Barrier: 9

Didn’t get the best of luck in the Oaks when having to change direction sharply turning for home to avoid the heels of a tiring runner. She is an out and out stayer and connections will be hoping that the speed goes on at some stage.  

10. Showaddywaddy (55.5kg)

Trainer: Daniel Morton
Jockey: Chris Parnham
Barrier: 8

Ran the second fastest last 200 and the third fastest final 400 in the Oaks and was finishing off as well as, if not better than stablemate Samantha’s Twitch. Doesn’t look to be much between the Morton pair, but both are going to jump big prices.  

SELECTION: Tuscan Queen

Looking for a feature hat-trick: Natasha Stakes, Oaks, Derby treble and on paper this race looks hers for the taking. Opens $1.55 with TABtouch and for multi players she does look a lock. Dominant in the Oaks and from gate 2 enjoys the run of the race. Those looking for a double figure play like Watch Me Dance last weekend, Pambella could be the one.  

Market Market



Recent Articles