Courtesy The West Australian website:

The booking of top distance rider Troy Turner on Crimson Sakura is set to turn around a nerve-racking week for the horse's connections by securing victory in today's $300,000 WATC Derby (2400m).

Trainer Robert Matthews said yesterday he was fortunate to have secured Turner after regular jockey John Claite lost his appeal against a careless riding charge last Wednesday night.

"To get such a good rider as Troy at such a late stage was very lucky," he said. "Troy rode the horse for the first time on Thursday and was impressed by how she went. John Claite rode her on Saturday and said she felt very well."

Turner is one of WA's best staying riders. He landed his fourth Bunbury Cup (2200m) when Magic Of Money dead-heated with Yelmar Boy last month.

Crimson Sakura underlined her courage when she engaged in a thrilling duel with Superior Star down the straight to go down a half-head in last Saturday week's WA Oaks (2400m).

Matthews said the horse had taken no harm from the tough run but admitted he would have preferred her to have drawn midfield rather than in barrier one.

"I would have preferred her off the fence because of her racing pattern; she likes to drop back," the trainer said.

"It is up to Troy now to get her in the best position."

WA Oaks winner Superior Star gets the chance to become only the fourth filly to win the Oaks-WATC Derby double. Outstanding stayers Natasha (1990), Old Money (2000) and Honor Lap have been the only fillies to win the prestigious double since the WA Oaks was first run in 1953.

Superior Star, trained by Neville Parnham, gave a gritty performance to beat Crimson Sakura in the Oaks after being headed in the straight.

Parnham's son Steven is back on Superior Star after leading jockey Paul Harvey jumped off to ride Sarah's Spirit.

Trainer Fred Kersley said yesterday he had few worries about Shirazamatazz running out a strong 2400m in the Derby. Shirazamatazz firmed into outright Derby favouritism with his win in last Saturday week's Melvista Stakes (2200m). The Melvista was held in steady rain on a track that was worse than slow.

Golden Prospect was first past the post but lost the race on protest.

"He has finished off his races very well which suggests he should get the distance," Kersley said. "But I guess you never know for sure until they have done it.

"He appears to have done well since his last start and worked well on Saturday morning."

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