Awesome John Captures WATC Derby

Mark Smith - Sunday April 9

The John O'Shea-trained Awesome John completed a hit-and-run mission in Saturday's $400,000 Group II Schweppes WATC Derby and gave Willie Pike his eleventh win in the classic in eighteen years.

Awesome John makes it 11 WATC Derby trophies in the cabinet for Willie Pike (image Western Racepix)

Settled back near the tail of the seven runners, Awesome John moved into a menacing fourth on the home turn. Coming widest of all, the son of Awesome Rock wore down the Maschino gelding Another Chino to win by a length with the heavily-backed Pride Of Dubai filly She's Fit three-quarters of a length back in third.

Most recently third behind Tapildoodledo and subsequent Group 1 ATC Australian Derby hero Major Beel in the Group III Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill, Awesome John advances his record to three wins, three seconds, and three thirds from 13 starts with earnings of $348,530.

Awesome John is owned by Stan Saric, who raced his sire Awesome Rock, with Alan and Sue Olive, who stand the Group 1 LKS Mackinnon Stakes winner at their Gold Front Thoroughbreds.

Awesome John is the best of four winners from five to race for the O'Reilly mare Jayquin Star.

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A photo that goes straight to the pool room for connections (image Western Racepix)

A $340,000 Karaka yearling, Jayquin Star is out of a half-sister to Group 1 Arrowfield Stakes winner Sixty Seconds and multiple Group III winner Spottswoode.

Jayquin Star has a 2yo sister to Awesome John and a yearling colt by Divine Prophet. She was covered by Graff last spring.

Awesome John is the third stakes winner for the Fastnet Rock stallion Awesome Rock who covered a career-high 107 mares at Gold Front Thoroughbreds last spring.

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Race Result - Schweppes - W.A.T.C. Derby Gr2 2400m

Ascot Track: Good(4) Time: 2:32.06
1
Awesome John
- 3g Awesome Rock (AUS) x Jayquin Star (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: J A O'Shea Rdr: W Pike 56.5
2
1.0
Another Chino
- 3g Maschino (AUS) x Apheta (AUS) (Galileo (IRE))
Tnr: D L Morton Rdr: B Parnham 56.5
3
1.8
She's Fit
- 3f Pride Of Dubai (AUS) x Harpoon (AUS) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: D L Morton Rdr: Chris Parnham 54.5
Pride Of Dubai
4
6.0
Playhouse Patron
- 3g Patronize (AUS) x Playhouse Theatre (AUS) (Racer's Edge (AUS))
Tnr: R C McPherson Rdr: Joseph Azzopardi 56.5
5
6.4
Demolish
- 3g Rich Enuff (AUS) x Magnus Missile (AUS) (Magnus (AUS))
Tnr: N D Parnham Rdr: S Parnham 56.5
6
8.1
Bernbrae
- 3f My Admiration (AUS) x I'M Gifted (AUS) (Blackfriars (AUS))
Tnr: A G Durrant Rdr: C Johnston-Porter 54.5
7
11.3
Celebrity Icon
- 3f Astern (AUS) x Sambaed (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: Luke Fernie Rdr: Lucy Fiore 54.5
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