The build-up to the Group 1 Sky Racing WA Derby on October 31 reaches a crucial turning point this Friday night with the running of the Group 3 $50,000 Western Gateway at Gloucester Park — a race that could shape the final make-up of this year’s Derby field.
The Western Gateway has long been a key stepping stone toward Derby glory, but this year it carries even greater significance. As one of the official Golden Ticket races, the winner will automatically secure a place in the Derby, joining earlier qualifiers Fakeinit, Bettor Fortune NZ, and When In Vegas.
Cyclone Jordy NZ claimed the first ticket in the Battle of Bunbury, however suffered a subsequent setback ruling him out of Derby contention, while stablemate Fakeinit secured her spot with a huge victory in the Group 1 TABtouch WA Oaks. The momentum continued through October, with Greg & Skye Bond runners taking out both Derby Preludes with Bettor Fortune NZ emerging victorious on 3 October and When In Vegas producing a tough win in the second Prelude on 10 October.
With those victories locked in, the stage is now set for the Western Gateway — the penultimate Golden Ticket race before the introduction of the brand-new Derby Preview on 24 October.
The latest Derby rankings, released by the Racing WA Harness Racing Office on October 6, show several key movements among contenders below those that have secured qualification. Seaside Magic, Belly Up, and Lincoln Lou NZ are climbing up the rankings, while Chase Me NZ and Runkle Crunch NZ have slipped slightly, leaving everything to play for over the next two weeks. The Justin Prentice trained Elite Fleet is sure to swiftly move up into the rankings after his close second to When In Vegas on Friday night in the Prelude.
The new Derby Preview, scheduled for 24 October, provides a final chance for unqualified horses to book their place. In a unique preferential barrier draw race which will see Golden Ticket holders draw the widest, it gives a final opportunity for unqualified runners to gain a Derby start with the first three across the line. For connections on the edge of attaining a start, it will be the ultimate test — a high-pressure race where every move could mean the difference between starting in the Derby or watching from the sidelines.
By the time the WA Derby arrives on 31 October, the field will have been shaped by the strongest three-year-olds in the State going head-to-head for Group 1 glory.
