Highly regarded Victorian jockey Ben Melham is unlikely to forget his first experience of riding in Perth.
After the shock of losing Ms Funovits before the running of the WA Sire Produce Stakes the visiting hoop was then successful in the main race, the WA Derby (2400m), with Mystic Prince.
The Reset three year old was one of four runners in the race to carry the colours of leviathan owner-breeder Bob Peters and this win gave him a fourth Derby success.
Ironically Bob Peters in presenting the Natasha Stakes trophy to the connections of Moreish, a month ago, said he could see the diminutive filly winning both the 2013 Oaks and Derby.
He was half right with one of his own preventing Moreish from becoming the ninth filly in 21 years to win the Derby.
For trainer Grant Williams it was a second victory, his first being with Dreamaway, being an Oaks-Derby winner two years ago.
Mystic Prince’s preparation for the Derby included racing at provincial meetings against older horses.
Racing midfield on the fence for most of the journey Melham angled out on straightening and set out for home with favourite Moreish in hot pursuit.
The Oaks winner had her chances but Troy Turner had no excuses saying she had peaked on the run and was not going to catch the winner, being a length and quarter behind at the finish.
Desert Glow a Peters horse, was a short neck away in third place.
Peters said all of his Derby horses would now be spelled.
RIGHT TIME: Consistent Paul Jordan trained Right Time won his eighth race from 23 starts with a courageous win from barrier eight.
Jockey Craig Staples had Right Time quickly into second spot and the 1000m specialist held the run of Geiger Rio to score well in the last race.