Bet On The WATC Derby

The premier staying event for three-year-olds in Australia swings around this weekend, and as usual has gathered talent locally and from around the country. The event is usually overlooked by the top horses and trainers in favour if the more lucrative Sydney autumn racing, in races such as the ATC Australian Derby and the ATC Australian Oaks, and provides the more consistent runners a chance to claim the glory. The race has proven to be a good indicator for the Perth Cup in recent times, with a couple of winners of the WATC going on to find success in the summer.

2014 WATC Derby Odds

The best place to have a bet on the 2014 WATC Derby is with Bet365.com. The odds below were taken from the site, and you will be able to find the latest race odds there as well. Bet365.com is also offering each-way betting on the race, with which you will receive 1/4 if should your selection place in positions one to three.

Ihtsahymn 2.70

Balmont Girl 4.20

Respondent 6.50

Real Love 7.50

Authentic Style 10.00

Spin Da Wheels 12.00

Savanarola 21.00

Black Heart Bart 26.00

Sunset Superman 41.00

Get Around It 67.00

Low Tide 67.00

Thunderclap Newman 101.00

This year’s race promises to be a tightly contested affair, with the horses occupying the top four lines of betting all under the $10.00 mark. But most of the attention leading into the week is being received by the top two runners, Ihtsahymn and Balmont Girl.

Ihtsahymn was already the favourite for the race before his favourable gate draw, which will see him start in gate two, whereas his rival will jump from out in gate 11. Ihtsahymn, winner of the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic over 1,800 metres, hasn’t had the best of luck with his draws this autumn, often starting from out wide, but this has not stopped him from turning a profitable return.

He was victorious in the Melvista Stakes coming in from gate 15, and placed second in the Lex Piper Stakes and the JC Roberts Stakes when starting from gates nine and 15 respectively. His jockey, Steven Parnham, is very happy with his ride’s form and is confident that Ihtsahymn has prepared well for the feature race.

‘That was always the way (trainer) Fred (Kersley) planned it, having the horse peak for this,’ Parnham said. ‘He’s really come on since his last run. He hit the line strongly the other day and has drawn well, so he should get a nice run. I think he’ll run it out, no problems.’

Parnham was also aware of the threat that Ihtsahymn’ closest rival, Balmont Girl, poses for his runner. The filly has been in winning form as well, claiming the WA Oaks over 2,400 metres after putting in a commanding 4 ½ lengths win in the Natasha Stakes.

‘She’s obviously done a great job winning her last two races and is proven at the distance,’ said the jockey, who will be looking to claim his first Group 2 win on Saturday. ‘It’s going to be a great contest.’ This is a sentiment shared by Balmont Girl’s trainer, Paula Wagg, who isn’t worried about the wide draw.

‘She’s just blossomed,’ Wagg said, who went on to play down the effects of her runner’s wide draw. ‘Going into a race like this you can’t ask for anything more. It’s not a big field so the barrier isn’t too bad. She’ll go back a bit anyway.’

Where To Bet On The WATC Derby

As mentioned above, the best racebook to place a bet on the 2014 WATC Derby is Bet365.com, who will offer the best odds on the race. When visiting Bet365.com, click on ‘Horse Racing’ in the left sidebar and scroll down to the Antepost section of the page, where you will find the markets for this race and many more.

About The Race

The WATC Derby is a Group 2 race for three-year-olds, and is run over a distance of 2,400 metres at Ascot Racecourse in Perth, Australia. The race offers of $400,000 in prize money and is part of the autumn racing festival. The 2013 edition of the race was won by Mystic Prince.

Check out the race’s wiki page to learn more about the event.