Derby Dreams For Waterhouse

DERBY DREAMS FOR WATERHOUSE 
It has been 20 years since trainer Gai Waterhouse saddled the winner of the G1 Victoria Derby, but if punters are correct, Australia’s popular Hall of Fame trainer could be in line to collect the lion’s share of that A$1.5 million prize tomorrow with Hampton Court (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}). The A$500,000 Inglis Easter yearling has hit his best stride as late, taking the Listed Dulcify Quality S. over a mile at Randwick Oct. 4 before jumping up to Group 1 class to romp in the Spring Champion S. over 2000 meters a week later, besting the talented filly First Seal (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Hampton Court will be negotiating a left-handed course for the first time in his first voyage under jockey Kerrin McEvoy, but Waterhouse noted after Wednesday’s barrier draw that she is “quietly confident.” 
“He has come along in leaps and bounds,” she told Racing and Sports. “The further he goes the better and the 2500 meters won’t worry him. I don’t like to get too cocky because you can fall flat on your face in this game but I am quietly confident.” 

Breaking just outside the favorite and likely to be racing prominently is Moonovermanhattan (Aus) (Manhattan Rain {Aus}), who hinted his worth at this distance with a victory in the G2 The Vase S. over 2040 meters at Moonee Valley five days ago. The grey had previously been an unlucky second in the G2 Bill Stutt S. over a mile Sept. 26 before losing a shoe when seventh in the G1 Caulfield Guineas Oct. 11. Moonovermanhattan boasts the same trainer/jockey combination (Mick Price and Craig Newitt) as champion sprinter Lankan Rupee (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}). 

Meanwhile, Bondeiger (Aus) (War Pass) will negotiate a trip from the rail draw. The Danny O’Brien charge came from a long way back to make up ground to be seventh in the Vase, which snapped a two race win streak in a Geelong maiden Sept. 26 and a Caulfield benchmark race Oct. 15. 

Despite having never won a race, Preferment (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) is the top choice to upend Hampton Court. On the board in four of six outings, Preferment finished fast after traveling wide to be a strong second in the Listed Geelong Classic over 2200 meters Oct. 22, suggesting he should relish this further stretch out in distance. He is drawn ideally in barrier six and is from the stable of Chris Waller, who should never be ignored in a big event. Preferment is piloted by ace big race rider Damien Oliver.