‘Team Dailly’ has an undeniable chance of claiming the Western Districts Derby/Lil Dickie Oaks – both over 450 metres – at Ballarat tonight.

They will be represented by Aston Cade (Derby) and Faithy Bale (Oaks) who were the fastest heat winners – 24.90sec and 24.91sec respectively.

Ironically, both have the same box draw in the final as they did in their heats – Aston Cade (4) and Faithy Bale (7).

WATCH: Aston Cade (4) secure his Derby heat in 24.90sec (Best).

Owned by Ray Borda, Aston Cade (Feb ’18 Fernando Bale x Aston Pearson) has notched nine wins from 24 starts, and won three of his past four outings – including successive 29.91sec wins at The Meadows.

“The more he races, the better he gets,” Tom Dailly said of Aston Cade. “He just keeps improving every time he goes around, and has ability to run quick time with a clear run.”

However, Dailly added that Aston Cade is “not brilliant out of the traps, and needs a little room early”.

And he’s highly respectful of Derby adversaries Aston Wizard (Box 5) and Tiggerlong Tonk (Box 8).

“They’re both group class sprinters and are without doubt Aston Cade’s main dangers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dailly said their powerful kennel had plenty of faith in Faithy Bale.

Pawnote: The $20,000-to-the-winner Group Listed Derby is Race 8 on the program and scheduled to commence at 9.18pm while the Oaks (Race 6, 8.38pm) carries a $15,000 first prize.

“She’s always shown promise… She comes out nice and that’s the key to her, along with her good early pace,” Dailly said.

Owned by Janice Wheeler, Faithy Bale (Nov ’17 Fernando Bale x Quiz Bale) has been lightly raced with only 13 starts for four wins. She’s chasing her third successive win.

Expert form analyst The Watchdog has assessed the Derby as a three-way tussle – Tiggerlong Tonk ($3.40F), Aston Wizard ($3.50) and Aston Cade ($3.60).

But it’s a lot more clear-cut in the Oaks with Faithy Bale ($2.40F), ahead of Mepunga Maggie ($4.80).

Unique new distance series to begin next week