An extended-range plan from proprietor Stan Saric to focus on the WATC Derby will come to fruition if new favourite Awesome John passes his first staying check within the Group 2 function at Ascot on Saturday.
Sydney-based Saric, who raced Awesome John’s Group 1-winning sire Awesome Rock with WA’s Alan and Sue Olive, inspired trainer John O’Shea final spring to set his sights on the $400,000 basic in Perth.
A winner at Kembla Grange and Hawkesbury, Awesome John made the journey west after an in depth third to Tapildoodledoo within the Group 3 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill final begin.
The three-year-old heads the WATC Derby market at $3.50 with Ladbrokes, snatching favouritism from WA Oaks (2400m) winner She’s Fit who’s at $3.80.
O’Shea is assured Awesome John shall be laborious to beat with champion WA jockey William Pike booked to trip.
“It’s an extended option to go to not assume we’re a successful likelihood,” O’Shea mentioned.
“I don’t know the type of the locals, however he’s clearly popping out of a powerful Tulloch Stakes, with the Australian Derby winner (Major Beel) popping out of it.
“The proprietor has had this race in thoughts since final October.
“We gave him a visit to Melbourne and he dealt with going the left-handed approach at Flemington.”
Awesome John, who has drawn the skin barrier within the subject of eight, will face his first check at 2400m within the WATC Derby.
Awesome Rock received the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in 2016 and now stands at stud at the Olives’ Gold Front Thoroughbreds. The Olives additionally bred Awesome John.
O’Shea, whose final Perth starter was Sidestep within the 2014 Winterbottom Stakes, mentioned Awesome John settled in properly after arriving in Perth in a single day on Monday.
He was joined on the flight from Sydney by Group 1 winners Uncommon James and Bella Nipotina, Asfoora, Shades Of Rose and Overpass, who’re all set for the $4 million The Quokka (1200m) on Saturday week.
Interstate pacers Betterzipit, Spirit Of St Louis and Loyalist, who’re set for the $1m The Nullarbor (2536m) at Gloucester Park on Friday week, had been additionally on the flight.
Connections of Comfort Me are weighing up a suggestion from the Lindsey Smith Racing slot to run in The Quokka.
Star Sydney chaser She’s A Pearl has been dominated out of the $500,000 The Sandgroper (520m) at Cannington on Friday week.
TABtouch must discover a alternative for their slot, with She’s A Pearl despatched for a spell after her disappointing sixth in a semi-final of the Golden Easter Egg at The Meadows final Saturday night time.
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