3 minute read

Sydney trainer John O’Shea is confident the strong form line around his WATC Derby (2400m) charge Awesome John will carry him a long way in this week’s feature.

Awesome John finished third behind Tapildoodledo and Major Beel in last month's Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.

Since then, Major Beel won the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick.

The son of Awesome Rock touched down in Perth overnight ahead of Saturday's Group 2 event at Ascot, where he will face just seven rivals.

John O'Shea said there were several key factors in Awesome John's favour this weekend.

"We felt the Tulloch was very strong this year and it was the fastest 10-furlong race on the day," O'Shea told TABradio.

"That included the older horses, and they went significantly quicker than the Group 1 fillies.

"It's not surprising the form out of the race is good.

"He's a very fit racehorse.

"He prefers dry ground, so it looks a nice race for him."

Awesome John will be having his fourth run this campaign in the Derby, with his previous runs resulting in a second at Canterbury over 1550m and an unplaced performance behind Zougotcha in the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

William Pike, who has won the WATC Derby on a record 10 occasions, takes the ride on the gelding on Saturday and will start from the outside draw.

Awesome John has firmed into $3.60 favouritism for the $400,000 event, ahead of Group 3 WA Oaks winner She's Fit.