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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisment

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
More Reading...
Kiwi Bred 'Jenni' Scores for Maher
Lightly-raced six-year-old mare Jennivamoose scored a comfortable victory in the Donnellans The Tyremen Handicap (2500m) at The Valley on Saturday under a patient Harry Coffey ride.
Sires With Winners - Saturday August 9
Here is the full list of 90 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
First Stakes-Winner for St Mark’s Basilica
Back at Coolmore Australia this spring for his fourth season, 2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark‘s Basilica (Fr) is on the board with his first stakes-winner after Thesecretadversary rolled the favourite to win the Listed Churchill Stakes (7 ½ f) at Tipperary overnight.
Breeders Paradise - Inglis Digital August (early) Online
An abundance of high-quality broodmares – many in foal to some of the hottest young stallions in the Southern Hemisphere – and broodmare prospects headline a “breeders’ paradise’’ in the Inglis Digital August (Early) Online Sale.
Sires With Winners - Friday August 8
Here is the full list of 39 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Stakes Next for Extremely Smart Filly
By outstanding sire Extreme Choice from Shane Nichols former stable favourite and Group I VRC Myer Classic winner I Am a Star, exciting filly Esha has the ability to match her pedigree.
G1 Goal for Slick Kiwi Sprinter
Per Incanto (USA) is renowned for his slick older sprinters and progressive 5YO Oak Hill (NZ) promises to be his next stakes-winner here in Australia.
Ozzmosis First Born is Feeling Frisky!
Group I VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Ozzmosis was in demand at Newgate last spring covering 192 mares and his first born foal that arrived on July 31 at Alma Vale Thoroughbreds is the source of great pride for owners Ian and Cathy Mathieson.
G1 Melbourne Goal for Alabama Lass
Trainer Ken Kelso was wearing a wide smile as he left Te Rapa racecourse on Saturday afternoon after witnessing his two stable stars provide him with suitable evidence they are both on target to kick off their Spring campaigns in fine fashion.
Queman’s Behemoth Performance At Morphettville
Not seen on race day for some 69 weeks, Shane and Cassie Oxlade’s Queman showed utter grit and determination to lead throughout at Morphettville, winning the Group 3 SAJC Behemoth Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.