WATC Derby - Final Field & Barriers

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 03:34

The final field and barriers have been released for this Saturday's Group One $500,000 Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m).

Neville Parnham holds the key to the race with his two runners God Has Spoken and Bridgestone.

God Has Spoken, who finished second in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) behind Sniper's Bullet last year, needs to bounce back after his fifth in the Schweppes Melvista Stakes (2200m) at Ascot a fortnight ago.

With four wins from 18 starts, God Has Spoken has accrued $448,000 in prizemoney. A victory would add considerable value to the colt by VRC Derby winner Blackfriars.

God Has Spoken has drawn barrier three while Bridgestone will start alongside in barrier four.

Interestingly, between 2003 and 2007, the winner of the WATC Derby finished either first or second in the Melvista Stakes which is a sound historical precedent for Brother Mak and Zentrate.

Last Saturday's Western Australian Oaks (2400m) winner Impressive Jeuney, is set to run on Saturday and will be looking to emulate the feats of Grand Journey who completed the double in 2008.

There are two interstate runners in the Derby. David Hayes will be represented by Catbird gelding Chartruex while Tony Noonan will be shooting for two Group 1 wins in consecutive weeks with Benconi starting from barrier 11.

Ascot (Saturday)

$400,000 Group 1 Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m)

Picture: Greg Irvine