Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Outstanding young driver Deni Roberts will be facing an extremely difficult but enviable decision later this year when she determines which three-year-old to drive in the $200,000 WA Derby on November 3.
One of her choices will be the Bettors Delight colt Fess Up, who scored a brilliant victory in the 2130m Behind The Goals Sport Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Fess Up, prepared by champion trainers Greg and Sky Bond, was the $1.20 favourite who was not extended in setting the pace from the No. 1 barrier and coasting to a three-length win over $7 chance Star Lavra, rating 1.57.4 after final quarters of 28.4sec. and 28.2sec.
This was Fess Up’s fifth win from six starts this season and took his record to 18 starts for seven wins, seven placings and stakes of $62,456.
“I’ve got a few options for the Derby,” said Roberts. Fess Up and Lusaka are the main ones at the moment. Cotton On is definitely a nice horse on the way up, and I’ve also got a bit of time for Advantage. And there will be others coming up (all from the powerful Bond stable).
“I was pleased with Fess Up’s gate speed tonight. That was probably one area that he hasn’t been up to it. And tonight, he got out of the gate really good.”
Cotton On, a Vincent gelding, is unbeaten at six starts in WA; Lusaka, a colt by Sweet Lou, has won at eight of his 11 starts) and Advantage, a gelding by Hes Watching, has shown promise with two wins at Gloucester Park from four starts.