Autumn races in the nation’s west hits its peak at Ascot on Saturday when the state’s leading three-year-old stayers contest the WATC Derby.

If the WA Oaks was any sort of a lead, Tuscan Queen is going to take a power of beating, and that is echoed in the short quote that is available for her at publish.

WATC Derby – Winner

No. 4 Tuscan Queen – Bet Now: $1.60

Willie Pike butchered the ride on another odds-on pop in a Listed race on Oaks Day, but he definitely made it count when he climbed aboard Tuscan Queen. This horse did take a bit to get going when resuming this time, but she’s continued to improve as the bar has been raised and of course, as she’s gotten further out in trip. She could hardly have been more impressive a fortnight ago when finishing more than two lengths ahead of Naughty By Nature and that horse occupies the second line of WATC Derby betting.

WATC Derby – 2nd

No. 1 Red Hot Tip – Bet Now: $8.00

Red Hot Tip was an impressive winner of the Listed Melvista Stakes (2200m) a fortnight ago and for mine, he is the biggest threat to Tuscan Queen in the WATC Derby. The three-year-old son of Red Hot Choice hasn’t run a bad race in six career starts and is another horse that has only continued as he has progressed, culminating in his first black type win. He’s rock-hard fit for this assignment and with even luck, I can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish again.

WATC Derby – 3rd

No. 5 Naughty By Nature – Bet Now: $7.50

Naughty By Nature was well beaten by Tuscan Queen in the Oaks, but she was far too good for her remaining opponents and can return another nice effort in the WATC Derby. The filly by Trade Fair has also been a strong performer this time in, with the one blemish being her ninth placing in the Listed Natasha Stakes two back, a race that was also won by Tuscan Queen. She clearly relishes racing at the trip, and she’s drawn a peach in barrier 4.

WATC Derby – 4th

No. 2 Midnight Blue – Bet Now: $8.00

Midnight Blue has been a model of consistency since debuting and he can cap his preparation with a competitive performance in the WATC Derby. The So You Think gelding is a stable mate to Tuscan Queen and hasn’t missed a place at his last four starts, winning over 2200m at Bunbury and filling the minors of the Listed JC Roberts before finishing second in the Melvista last time out. He looks another horse that needs only appropriate luck in running to fight as the finish again.

WATC Derby Suggested Bets

• Boxed Trifecta of the selections below