Sentimental Legend scored one of the more decisive G2 WATC Derby (2400m) victories in recent years when he dispatched Saturday’s classic field with ease at Ascot.

Sentimental Legend tracked WA Oaks (Gr 3, 2400m) winner Wonderfully Made (Playing God) and put her away at the top of the straight before clearing out to salute the judge two lengths to the good of the Maschino pair Tahni Talk and Masmelo.

“I was happy the way it unfolded after Lucy (Fiore) went to the front on the filly,” Willie Pike said. “He hit the front with a sustained burst and then pricked his ears and waited for them. We’re nowhere near the bottom of him.  Wait till he’s 50 kilograms heavier in six or twelve months. I’ve always said you can get a good stayer to run a good race at a mile in a race like the Railway Stakes.”

Sentimental Legend is from the second crop of Newgate Farm sire Brutal (O’Reilly) and had won the Melvista Stakes (Listed, 2200m) earlier this month.  He was bred by Karnup trainers Grant and Alana Williams and is the final foal from Sentimental Star (More Than Ready).  Pike was winning his 12th WA Derby and Williams Racing their 10th.

It’s the family of cerise and white colour bearers Star Exhibit (G2 Perth Cup), Perfect Jewel (G2 WA Guineas) and Royal Star (LR Natasha Stakes).  Williams Racing had purchased Sentimental Star for $40,000 from Peters Investments at the 2018 Gold Coast Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

They bred Belmont winner Sentimental Belle (Nicconi) first-up and she banked over $200,000 before being covered by Maschino in October.  Their second filly Sentimental Flame (Kermadec) was sold to Adelaide where she also paid her way as well as earning black-type at Morphettville.