Star filly Delicacy has overcome a clumsy start to win the Group Two Schweppes-WATC Derby, in a thrilling finish with Keysbrook.
Despite slipping when departing the barrier, star jockey William Pike recovered as only he could, pushing the Al Maher filly just in behind the speed, giving her a dream run.
Winning her fourth race in a row and her eighth from just 12 starts, Delicacy displayed her will to win, akin to her succession of Bob Peters owned WATC Derby winners.
After winning the 1000 Guineas, the listed Natasha Stakes and the Group 3 Oaks, she honoured her favouritism, with only a narrow defeat in the listed Challenge Stakes, denying her a clean sweep of the 2015 features.
Bolter Keysbrook put in her best performance, despite a sequence of excellent runs behind Delicacy, Keysbrook had been previously well held but today almost pinched the victory.
Boom Time was excellent again in third, after an break-through victory in the listed Melvista Stakes last start, holding a significant margin back to fourth.
Delicacy won in 2.38.23 and by a half-length, claiming her third group race.
Ian Lenton
www.perthracing.com.au
