Bettor Fortune primes up for the Derby

Star three year old Bettor Fortune (Bettors Delight) enhanced his prospects for the forthcoming Western Australia Derby when he easily outsprinted his harness racing rivals to take out the Group 3 Western Gateway at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

Unbeaten in his previous six appearances, Bettor Fortune was drawn on the outside of the second row but was still the favoured candidate.

Lincoln Lou showed brilliant early speed to easily to take the lead but then took the trail when Chase Me challenged for the front.

Deni Roberts was able to steer Bettor Fortune to a one out and two back trail with stablemate Belly Up enjoying the one out and one back trail.

BETTOR FORTUNE OCT 17 REPLAY

Chase Me tried to move away on the final bend but Belly Up issued his challenge at that point though Bettor Fortune unleashed a strong burst and at the finish he was just too strong over Belly Up with Chase Me holding down third place.

Bettor Fortune is trained by the powerful team of Greg and Skye Bond who also prepared the runner Belly Up.

Deni Roberts was certainly pleased with the effort.

“That was really good. It was fairly slow early. He probably didn’t have any right to get into it but he’s just so fast. He doesn’t feel that he’s going that quick but you’ll see he’s got a massive stride on him. Yeah he covers the ground. Look He was really good tonight. A bit keen at stages but he’s definitely coming around to be a really nice horse.”

“I was a bit concerned at how big his action is coming to Gloucester Park but he got around that corner really well.”

“He didn’t miss a beat. He’s going to make my life a bit easier. I can drive him however the race pans out.”

Bettor Fortune’s dam Fortune Lover was unraced but she has been a star leaving former brilliant speedster Vampiro (1.52.6) and 29 wins as well as Mister Fortunia and Be Rock Hard. Fortune Lover’s dam Under Cover Lover was an outstanding mare being runner up in the Victoria Oaks as well as taking out the El Dorado Fillies classic at Moonee Valley.

The Group 1 $200,000 Western Australia Derby will be held at Gloucester Park on October 31. Only just a few weeks ago Cyclone Jordy was considered a certainty on the strength of some awesome performances. Unfortunately for his connections he developed a tendon injury and is out of contention.

But the way Bettor Fortune has been racing in his seven unbeaten Australian performances he looks the one to beat. It’s hard to see his stablemate Belly Up or Chase Me turning the tables.

If there is to be an upset then Runkle Crunch who finished less than five metres from the winner could be the one to watch. He was held up in the home straight and although he is yet to win in Australia the son of Captain Crunch will be well prepared for the Derby by his trainer Aiden De Campo.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink