Wissahickon set to go off shortest priced favourite in Winter Derby history

Betway Winter Derby | G3 | 1m2f, 4yo+ | ITV4/SKY

Wissahickon is likely to be sent off the shortest-priced favourite in the history of the Winter Derby, which has been run since 1998, when he bids to become the fourth winner of the Derby Trial to follow up in the main event.

John Gosden's latest Cambridgeshire winner, who is joined once more by his stablemate Court House, faces what looks a re-run of his warm-up at the track three weeks ago, with each of the first four on that occasion set to face off again.

The son of Tapit has taken the ten-furlong all-weather scene by storm since he landed the Quebec Stakes at the expense of the reopposing Big Country in December.

Wissahickon then gave 3lb and a decisive beating to Big Country and Court House in the Winter Derby Trial, in which Frankie Dettori overcame trouble in running in the straight to win by three-quarters of a length.

Owned by George Strawbridge, Wissahickon has won five of his six starts on the all-weather and is unbeaten in three at Lingfield.

John Gosden: eyeing his first Winter Derby successCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Gosden said: "This has been the target since the Cambridgeshire for Wissahickon, who has done well on the all-weather this winter and goes there in good form.

"It's another small field but he's quite adaptable and can go forward or drop in, so there shouldn't be a problem. He showed a good turn of foot to get out of a pocket last time and I'll leave tactics to Frankie."

Dettori has won the Derby Trial twice before with Parasol in 2003 and Caluki the following year, but Gosden is chasing a first victory and bolsters his bid by fielding Court House, the mount of William Buick.

Gosden said: "As it's a £100,000 race it makes sense to run Court House as he's got quite a high mark now and would be running for a lot less than this off top weight in a handicap."

Big Country back for more punishment?

Big Country is out to make it third time lucky against Wissahickon, despite connections initially indicating they would avoid another encounter with him after the Winter Derby Trial.

As well as the favourite, Big Country must also reverse previous form with Master The World, who he chased home in the Churchill Stakes at the track in November.

Admittedly, Big Country was giving weight away when just a neck adrift that day, but he has since been outclassed by Wissahickon twice and must up his game.

Big Country (left) has finished second to Wissahickon in his last two startsCredit: Mark Cranham

Part-owner Chris Dixon said: "Big Country came out of the Trial really well and Jonny, his work rider, says he feels great.

"Mick Appleby is happy and we’re ready to go. Realistically we’re going to struggle to beat Wissahickon, who looks a class act, so we’re probably playing for places but we’ll give it a go."

Master of Lingfield again?

Master The World bids to become the first horse to win back-to-back runnings of the Winter Derby after being promoted from the runner-up spot a year ago.

The David Elsworth-trained grey met all sorts of interference that day when leaned on Mr Owen, who was first past the post, and deserved to be awarded the race.

This time the eight-year-old kicked off his winter campaign when landing the Churchill Stakes for the second year running in November and has been kept fresh since.

Master The World (left) was awarded last year's Winter Derby following interference from Mr Owen (right)Credit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Elsworth said: "A mile and a quarter around Lingfield is what Master The World does best and he was rightfully awarded the race last year after plenty of interference in the straight.

"He should run a solid race but on ratings we look to be up against it taking on Mr Gosden's horse."

Playing for places?

The remaining three hopefuls are headed by Hathal, who has been effective at Wolverhampton in recent months, registering back-to-back victories in conditions events.

The son of Speightstown has never won over this far a distance for Jamie Osborne, a comment that does not apply to rival Chiefofchiefs, though the Charlie Fellowes representative has five lengths to find with Wissahickon on their running in the Winter Derby Trial.

Fellowes said: "It's sod's law we've chosen to target the Winter Derby this year as it's a very hot race. Wissahickon isn't going to be beaten unless he falls over, but we're going there to try to finish in the first three."

Serial all-weather performer Pactolus, who won a handicap over course and distance last time, completes the seven-strong field.

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