Brock Lewthwaite says it would be something special if Lady Chant could repeat her heroics and win the Schweppes W.A.T.C Derby (2400m) at Ascot Saturday.
Lady Chant is aiming to upset the boys in the WA Derby after she surprised everyone and proved too strong for the girls with an upset victory in the WA Oaks (2400m).
A $180,000 yearling at the 2020 Magic Millions Perth yearling sale, Lady Chant broke her maiden status after three consecutive placings with a surging finish from last.
A $14 chance in the WA Oaks, Lady Chant is currently $9.50 in Tabtouch betting and on the third line with Alaskan God and Trix Of The Trade, one-two in the Melvista Stakes (2200m), at $2.30 and $3 respectively.
Lewthwaite, who played a stunt double in The Hobbit film trilogy, scripted an unexpected victory in the WA Oaks and he’s hoping to replicate the same outcome and score a feature race double in the WA Derby.
“These are the races I have always strived for, the three-year-old classics,” Lewthwaite told The Races WA.
“These are the races that you know as a kid and they have been the ones that always have been the ones to grab my imagination.
“To do both would be amazing, but I’m trying to keep things as cool as I can and make sure everything goes right for her.
“It means a lot already to have won the Oaks and it will mean a whole lot more if we won the Derby.
“It will be a very special moment for me and my family and the connections.”
Lady Chant faces 12 rivals in the WA Derby and jumps from barrier 10. Jason Whiting sticks with the filly after combining in the WA Oaks.
The experienced hoop can add a second WA Derby to his record following his win on Guyno in 2007.
Lewthwaite says Alaskan God and Trix Of The Trade deserve their market status, but believes fresh legs will give Lady Chant a big boost.
“She’s definitely not a tired horse,” Lewthwaite said.
“I went third up into the Oaks for a good reason.
“You want to have a bit of petrol left for the final destination.
“She’s going really well and I have no reason not to be confident.
“Everything is going to plan and she is really happy.
“We’ll get to see how good the boys are.”