One of the best fields for some years was at the barrier for the $45,000 VB Gold feature race and the two-year-olds didn’t disappoint over the 1100 metres.

In an open betting race the Seidnazar x Rippa Royal black filly started at $4.00 and won by a length from Sutton Brave ($15.00, Glenn Lynch) with the $3.60 favourite Rockaway Star (Mathew Cahill) one-and-onequarter lengths away third.

Buckley had ridden Derippa to her debut win at Newcastle this preparation before being unplaced last start when fourth at Warwick Farm.

“Mark (Wallace) wanted me to take a bit of a park today which was a different racing pattern that was used for this filly in her past races,” Buckley said.

“She led or raced on the pace in those races but we decided to try something different for the Boot.

This meant we would try and track a path which she did and it worked out splendidly.

“We had a really nice run throughout, so that was important.”

Buckley admitted that Derippa - the now winner of two of her six races and with two minor placings - is still learning.

“I’ve got no doubt she will improve with more racing experience and as such will be better next preparation,” Buckley said.

Buckley admitted this was his first Wellington Boot winner, having chalked up a few seconds in previous years.

Trainer Mark Wallace wasn’t at the races yesterday leaving stable foreman Paul Morkan to get the job done.

Wallace has only been at Warwick Farm since May last year after learning his trade in Ireland.

As expected the pace was one from the start when Rockaway Star began well from the inside barrier and Derippa shot to the lead and later got a nice sit behind Sutton Brave approaching the turn.

Buckley soon made his presence felt with a strong run that saw his filly run out the 1100 metres with something in reserve.

Of the others Rockaway Star was closest at the finish and the Tracey Bartley-trained Marchinella ($8.00) - unbeaten in two runs before yesterday - was never comfortable with the speed and finished second last.

Misshiraz was also well supported to start at $4.60 but her habit of getting back in her races didn’t help before she finished fourth.