Schweppes-W.A.T.C. Derby (G2)
Strong finishes in all but one of his previous six outings (the last over 2200m) suggested that Action was a major player here and the 2400m saw him join in at the turn and run away to win well, his third win and maiden stakes victory. Jockey William Pike found a lovely spot just forward of midfield (rails) rounding out of the home straight and down to towards the riverside. Past the 1000m Pike got him away from the fence and nearing the 400m moved out wider, ready to challenge. Full of running, he raced up five wide near the last corner and was travelling so well that he co led at the 300m. After that he stormed to the lead and it was all over. He was simply too strong to the line to win easily. Like A Butterfly impressed with her terrific finish from third last at the 500m, getting into the clear at the 250m and rattling home for a top second without endangering the winner. Media Baron was even further back, last at the 500m then flew down the centre of the track to grab a nice third from Money Maher who was mostly handy, co led at the 300m and battled away best of the rest for fourth.
Previous Winners
| Date | Horse | Jockey | WT | Trainer | BP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
GATTING
(AUS)
3G HARD SPUN (USA) - STUBBORN (AUS) LONHRO (AUS) |
MATTHIEU AUTIER | 56.5 | DARREN MCAULIFFE | 4 |
|
|
ARCADIA DREAM
(AUS)
3F DOMESDAY (AUS) - ARCADIA (AUS) REDOUTE'S CHOICE (AUS) |
WILLIAM PIKE | 54.5 | GRANT WILLIAMS | 9 |
|
|
DELICACY
(AUS)
3F AL MAHER (AUS) - SIMPLY WICKED (AUS) SCENIC (IRE) |
WILLIAM PIKE | 54.5 | GRANT WILLIAMS | 1 |
|
|
RESPONDENT
(AUS)
3G HARADASUN (AUS) - AVENIDA MADERO (AUS) METAL STORM (FR) |
WILLIAM PIKE | 56.5 | GRANT WILLIAMS | 8 |
|
|
MYSTIC PRINCE
(AUS)
3G RESET (AUS) - PURFECT SIZE (NZ) CATBIRD (AUS) |
B MELHAM | 56.5 | GRANT WILLIAMS | 4 |
|
|
ROHAN
(AUS)
3G BLACKFRIARS (AUS) - VOLTAGE PAK (AUS) CARRY A SMILE (AUS) |
G L SMITH | 56.5 | VAUGHN SIGLEY | 4 |
|
|
DREAMAWAY
(AUS)
3F MORE THAN READY (USA) - LEGAL CONSENT (AUS) DANEHILL (USA) |
WILLIAM PIKE | 54.0 | GRANT WILLIAMS | 11 |
|
|
CHARTREUX
(AUS)
3G CATBIRD (AUS) - FRENCH RESORT (AUS) BONHOMIE (USA) |
B RAWILLER | 56.0 | D A HAYES | 1 |
|
|
MARKUS MAXIMUS
(NZ)
3G PENTIRE (GB) - SHAFTY LADY (NZ) LAST TYCOON (IRE) |
L NOLEN | 56.0 | PETER G MOODY | 5 |
|
|
GRAND JOURNEY
(AUS)
3F GOOD JOURNEY (USA) - GRAND PROSPECT (AUS) FLYING SPUR (AUS) |
WILLIAM PIKE | 53.5 | DAVID BRIDEOAKE | 10 |
|
|
GUYNO
(NZ)
3G O'REILLY (NZ) - RIVER CENTURY (NZ) CENTAINE (AUS) |
J WHITING | 56.0 | LOU & DION LUCIANI | 4 |
|
|
CATS FUN
(AUS)
3G CATBIRD (AUS) - SHE'S ZEEL (NZ) ZABEEL (NZ) |
WILLIAM PIKE | 56.0 | MICHAEL GRANT | 10 |
|
|
PLASTERED
(AUS)
3G LARANTO (AUS) - TIPPLES (AUS) CHERAW (IRE) |
P J HARVEY | 56.0 | LINDSEY SMITH | 3 |
|
|
MR SANDGROPER
(AUS)
3G PEINTRE CELEBRE (USA) - GAME WARRIOR (AUS) RANCHER (AUS) |
P KING | 56.0 | DAVID EDWARDS | 1 |
|
|
SHIRAZAMATAZZ
(AUS)
3G BARATHEA (IRE) - GOURMET (AUS) ESTAMINET (GB) |
D J STAECK | 56.0 | FRED KERSLEY | 6 |
|
|
HONOR LAP
(NZ)
3F HONOR GRADES (USA) - PRESIDENT'S PEARL (NZ) CONQUISTAROSE (USA) |
P KING | 53.0 | GEORGE DALY | 13 |
|
|
OLD MONEY
(AUS)
3 OLD SPICE (AUS) - BALMY NIGHT (NZ) BALMERINO (NZ) |
J J BROWN | 53.0 | LINDSEY SMITH | 7 |
