Friday Night Lights: Derby Drama, Mare Magic and Rising Stars at Gloucester Park
30 October 2025
Gloucester Park is set for a blockbuster Friday night with the $200,000 Sky Racing WA Derby headlining a card packed with intrigue, talent and tactical twists.
Roberts Backs Troubadour in Derby Gamble
Deni Roberts has again made headlines with her Derby pick, opting for the lightly raced Troubadour over more fancied stablemates including Rumble Strip, who draws barrier one. Roberts’ choice echoes her winning move last year with Christopher Dance, and she’s confident Troubadour has the raw ability to surprise despite barrier four.
Rumble Strip, driven by Stuart McDonald, is expected to lead and set the pace, while Mad Monday, Belly Up, and When In Vegas round out the Bond stable’s formidable quintet.
The eastern states bring firepower too. Sweet On Lexy, trained and driven by Bernie Hewitt, arrives off a strong third in the Group 1 Breeders Crown, while Its Confidential, guided by Gary Hall jnr, boasts ten wins and a gritty third in the Victoria Derby. Hall jnr calls him “pretty tough” and a genuine contender.
Hall snr, a six-time Derby-winning trainer, fields Fakenit, the WA Oaks winner, and Chae Me, both drawn to be competitive. Runkle Crunch and Captain Stirling add depth to a Derby field brimming with promise.
Wonderful To Fly Ready to Soar
In the Norms Daughter preview, Shane Young’s classy mare Wonderful To Fly returns to her favourite front-line draw and looks poised to lead and dominate. Young is bullish: “She gets her chance this week. In theory, she’s the best horse in the race.”
Her main threats include Sweet Vivienne, Little Darling, and Soho Vesper Lind, who impressed last week and is expected to lead in the sprint trip Nadia Boath Pace. Trainer Kim Prentice is confident: “If she gets to the front, she’ll stay there.”
Vidovich and Jolted Charm Sparkle
Teen sensation Abbey Vidovich continues her breakout season, partnering rejuvenated mare Jolted Charm from barrier one. With 82 wins already this year, Vidovich is sixth on the State drivers’ premiership and growing in stature with every drive.
Golden Nugget Debut for Nathan Street
The $27,000 Golden Nugget Pace sees former Victorian Nathan Street make his WA debut for Hall snr. Despite drawing the outside, Hall jnr believes the talented pacer is working well and ready to show his class.
Fabulous Dream Steps Into the Spotlight
Trainer Mike Reed is excited about Fabulous Dream, younger sister to global star Amazing Dream. She’s drawn to lead in the Skyracing Pace and looks ready to shine after a strong win on Tuesday. But she’ll need to hold off Bond pair Delulu and Captainshavtime, and Bunbury Derby winner Reinette, who starts from the outside.
Roberts again plays a key role, choosing Captainshavtime over Delulu, saying: “She’s a better horse and has really good gate speed.”
Ken Casellas