WA Derby looks wide open after Western Gateway

The barrier draw will be everything when the Group 1 $200,000 is run on 30 October after last night’s Western Gateway at Gloucester Park last night.

Star three year old Im Stealthy (Downbytheseaside) did everything right having the perfect one out and one back trail. However there were some surprises. Stablemate D Mac from the pole was expected to lead and prove too strong for his rivals.

He easily held the lead out from the gate and driver Gary Hall Jnr would have had every reason to think he was going to be hard to beat. Havetimeformiki was trapped three wide early before working up to face the breeze this giving Im Stealthy the sit. Ideal Beach who was driven by New South Wales reinsman Will Rixon was one out and two back while Proposition Joe was three back on the rails.

IM STEALTHY 16 OCT REPLAY

The first notable change was when Havetimeformiki issued a strong challenge in the back straight and to the surprise of many forged to the lead as D Mac quickly gave ground. However he was a sitting duck for Im Stealthy who was let loose by Stuart McDonald. However Havetimeformiki fought on tenaciously as he tried to hold the lead and it wasn’tuntil the shadows of the post that Im Stealthy grabbed the lead to overhaul Havetimeformiki.

There’s little doubt that had Havetimeformiki reached the lead early that he probably would have won.

His stablemate Proposition Joe flashed home for third just ahead of Ideal Beach. Im Stealthy has been a real find this season with nine wins from 12 starts this season. Having won the WA Derby prelude previously Im Stealthy will go as favourite for the Derby.

Havetimeformiki was wonderful in defeat. Trainer Greg Bond has a big opinion of Havetimeformiki and irrespective of where he draws in the Derby he’ll be very hard to beat.

Likewise Proposition Joe rattled home for third after seemingly being held up for a run and he gives every indication of running out the staying trip of 2536 metres for the Derby.

D Mac who tired to beat only two runners home was the subject of a veterinary examination but no abnormalities were reported. It’s hard to see him show a form reversal on that run.

There was a fillies event with a number of Derby prospects. Oaks runner up Manuka Bay (Downbytheseaside) was drawn the pole and she had no trouble holding the early lead. The Bond also had Cinch and the Oaks winner Skinny Dippin. However all the luck went Manuka Bay’s way as Skinny Dippin was at the rear and had to go three wide at the bell to make her run with Miss Leopatra who had faced the breeze throughout.

Kyle Symington let Manuka Bay run a 27.4 second third quarter which proved too much for both Skinny Dippin and Miss Leopatra who were both struggling turning for home.

MANUKA BAY 16 OCT REPLAY

It was left to Cinch to try and make up ground but in a close finish Manuka Bay prevailed over Cinch by half a neck with Im Category Five in third place.

While Manuka Bay has to be considered for the Derby she’ll need everything to go her way and it remains to be seen if Skinny Dippin and Miss Leopatra can recover after having had hard runs.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink