Maxwhooshtapin’s impressive run in the Melvista Stakes has trainer Misty Bazeley optimistic heading into Saturday’s Group 2 WATC Derby (2400m) at Ascot.
The emerging gelding will face his toughest task yet against standout filly Machine Gun Gracie, the $1.65 favourite following dominant wins in the Natasha Stakes (2200m) and WA Oaks (2400m).
Maxwhooshtapin came home strongly to finish second behind Sail Session in the Melvista, cutting into the leader’s advantage late. That effort gives Bazeley confidence her gelding is peaking at the right time.
Sail Session, who took out both the Melvista and J.C. Roberts Stakes, will also line up in the Derby, priced at $4.20. Maxwhooshtapin is a $15 outsider but is expected to put in another honest showing.
“I am actually excited to have a group runner, that’s the first thing,” Bazeley told Racing WA.
“I’m excited to have a horse in a group race that actually is going to be competitive.
“I know he can stay, I know he’s fit, I know he’s ready.
“Can he beat Machine Gun Gracie?
“Probably not, but it would be real nice to run second to her, I can tell you that.”
Bazeley paid just $11,000 for Maxwhooshtapin and has already enjoyed a return on that investment, with the gelding breaking his maiden at Pinjarra in January. Since then, he has progressed steadily and earned his place in the Derby field.
“He’s done a massive job,” Bazeley said.
“He’s been in work a while with a couple of weeks off in between.
“He’s gone from trialling to trialling again, to having his first race start, to get sent back to trials, to then winning a race to then all of a sudden, wow, we’re going to win the Derby.
“It’s massive in his first prep.
“I see him as being a cup horse for me later on.
“He’s a big raw baby, everything he does is baby stuff.
“A beautiful nice long spell and build him up next prep he should be a nice horse.
“And he’s sound, it’s a nice combination.”
Maxwhooshtapin has drawn barrier two and will be partnered by Luke Campbell in a compact seven-horse field for the WATC Derby.
