There were no surprises in the Group 2 WATC Derby over 2400m at Ascot where the $1.30 favourite Western Empire, trained by Grant and Alana Williams and ridden by William Pike, proved too strong for his opposition.
Less than two lengths separate the first four horses across the line as Temptacion ($9), Kerman Rock ($31) and Reliable Star ($26) filled second, third and fourth place respectively.
Western Empire was winning for the fourth consecutive time here (he has five wins to his name overall), but he stretched his list of achievements to the Group 2 level for the first time after winning the Lex Piper Stakes, the J C Roberts Stakes and Melvista Stakes in his previous three starts β¦ all at Listed level.
His four wins have in a six-week βhot-spotβ as he taken on every new challenge with aplomb, winning at 1600m, 1800, 2000m and now 2400m.
The second placed Temptacion, a Daniel Morton trained filly who was ridden by Chris Parnham, turned in a highly creditable performance and her second place added further to her value after she had previously finished third in the Group 3 Western Australian Oaks in her start prior to the Derby.