Brett Honey’s WA Derby Final Night Preview
Race 3 – WA Derby Final (Group 2, 520m)
After four sensational heats last Saturday, the Group 2 WA Derby final is here and despite a number of well-favoured greyhounds missing out on qualification, we have a terrific race to look forward to. Stan Monelli (box 4) was the fastest qualifier and despite a tardy beginning, his turn of foot was on full display and powered his way to the front to go all the way in 29.77. His talent is unquestioned and he is fastest dog in the race. That being said, the middle draw with speed both inside and out, along with his unreliable box manners, pose plenty of questions for the rising star.
Intimidation (box 2) was a finalist in the Perth Cup and despite missing the start last week, he was able to find the front and lead all the way in a time of 29.94, he can immediately shave 0.2 off that time by replicating his first splits during the Perth Cup carnival and his 29.45 personal best would see him prove a handful to run down if finding the front.
Entertaining (box 6) will show early speed and is the fly in the ointment for Stan Monelli. Aston Beyond (box 7) and Sunset Caligula (box 8) both possess the talent to win this race, but will rely on Entertaining crossing the inside division and providing a cart over.
I think this is a nice set-up for Intimidation who will no doubt improve and can run away with the Derby for 2026.
Bet: #2 Intimidation
Race 4 – WA Oaks Heat 1 (520m)
Time for the girls to shine and after a cracking Mandurah Oaks a fortnight ago, we look forward to one of the strongest WA Oaks series in recent memory.
Sunset Clarice (box 1) made light work of a sticky draw in the Mandurah Oaks final to lead all the way in a time of 27.52 and backed that up last week with a 29.90 effort at this track and trip. Having now won five on the bounce and leading in all of those, she looks set to make it half a dozen from a favourable. Money Keeping (box 8) headed west last week after winning a maiden series at Wenworth Park, however she was well below par and will need to improve sharply to challenge Clarice. Box 8 may help as she wants to move off the track but I struggle to have her with any confidence. Hot Minute (box 5) is the other key chance, however was beaten on merit by Clarice in a Mandurah Oaks heat and this draw is only harder.
At odds on, I’m happy to watch Sunset Clarice go around.
Bet: No bet
Race 5 – WA Oaks Heat 2 (520m)
Pam Keeping (box 3) has been mixing it against the state’s best for several months and back against her own age and sex from a gun draw, she looks a strong chance to punch her ticket into a Group 2 final. Pam Keeping uncharacteristically missed the start and was caught in all sorts of bother last start in a complete forgive run. With only fair early speed drawn around her, I expect her to pounce on the arm and provided there’s no loss of confidence from last week, she can go all the way. Rippin’ Ruby (box 8) is arguably two to three lengths quicker than Pam Keeping but is at a significant disadvantage from the draw. She’ll need luck to cross from out there and there’s little room for error.
I’m against the interstaters again in Pound Keeping (box 5) and Fromelles Poppy (box 6). There draws are sticky and both were underwhelming last week. All eyes on Pam Keeping in this.
Bet: #3 Pam Keeping
Race 6 – WA Oaks Heat 3 (520m)
In the last of the Oaks heats Choosing Texas (box 3 – pictured) has come up an even-money favourite and she does look the standout on paper. Whilst she has missed the jump in her last two starts, prior to that she was consistently in the mid 5.40’s early and that would see her leading this race comfortably. She’s a 29.70 dog on the arm and that would be more than enough in front to win this. Sparkling Gem (box 1) is more than capable of running those times and is a touch quicker on the clock than Choosing Texas, however her lack of early speed and tendency to move up the track makes her task far more difficult.
Finding one to take on the two fancies is challenging. Impress Moana (box 7) was a solid winner last week and Cora Mac (box 8) is open to improvement off her 30.25 effort, however those two are drawn on the wrong side of each other with Cora Mac showing speed and wanting to track towards the rail.
Not a race I’m overly keen to get involved in but Choosing Texas should prove awfully hard to beat.
Bet: No bet
Other selections on the program
Race 2 #3 Mailata
Race 7 #2 Linguine Monelli