Ascot will play host to the Group 1 W.A.T.C Derby today, in a race that will see the best three year olds in the West fighting it out for Group 1 supremacy.
The Grant Williams trained filly Dreamaway will start favourite after winning its previous four races.
Dreamaway, a filly by More Than Ready has been racing in sensational form and has won the WA Oaks and the WA 1000 Guineas.
Dreamaway is a solid $2.90 favourite and will be ridden by Willie Pike.
Trainer Grant Williams said the wide gate (13) was going to be a concern in the Derby, however he firmly believes his filly has what it takes against the colts and geldings.
“It’s obviously going to be tough because of the barrier.
“The race will answer a lot of questions but I think she’ll be right. She’s definitely going to be a nice horse,” said Williams.
Also entered in the W.A.T.C Derby is Playing God, who went within a couple of lengths of the winner in both the Group 1 Australian Guineas at Caulfield and the Group 1
Australia Cup at Flemington.
Since returning to Perth from Melbourne the Neville Parnham trained colt finished second behind Kim Classic at Ascot, in a race that saw him lug 59kg’s over the 1500m.
Playing God, who won the WA Guineas last year, has been under an injury cloud since returning from Melbourne.
“There was a bit of a blow out on the bulb of the heel. There is no question he carried it in the Australian Cup.
“I have decided to leave the bar shoes on today, as a protection to lift his hoof off the bulb of the heel,” said Parnham.
Injury concerns asides Parnham believes his horse is ready to take out the Group 1 W.A.T.C Derby.
“If this was a handicap he’d be giving these plenty of weight. I am happy with him and he should be hard to beat,” said Parnham, who’s charge will line up at odds of $4.00.
There has also been support for Why She Left who will be ridden by leading Perth jockey Paul Harvey.
Why She Left finished an impressive second behind Dreamaway last start in the WA Oaks and she looks fitter this time in. Why She Left is quoted at $8.50.
Rio Dane has also come in for support after an impressive win in the Listed Melvista Stakes. Rio Dane is currently $9.00, while The Tenby Friar, who finished second in the race is also $9.00.
The W.A.T.C Derby will be run under set weight conditions and will take place at 6.30pm (AEDST)
W.A.T.C Derby Tips.
1. Dreamaway
2. Playing God.
3. The Tenby Friar.
