3 minute read
Co-trainers Dan and Ben Pearce are super excited to be involved in their first Perth Cup (2400m) where they have strong representation with a two-pronged attack.
The Pearce brothers, coming off their best season as a partnership, aim to launch the New Year on a notable high when they saddle up Black Fantasy and Queen Alina.
Black Fantasy is a sentimental favourite of the Pearce stable after fighting back from a tendon injury that kept the son of Blackfriars out of action for 16-months.
The untimely setback stopped Black Fantasy in his tracks after a top 2022 winter campaign produced three straight wins and a Listed double in the Aquanita Stakes (2000m) and Belmont Classic (2200m).
The Pearce's have been rapt with Black Fantasy's progress since his comeback and believe he'll be primed to back up following top efforts at his most recent starts.
Black Fantasy fought back to win the Listed Towton Cup (2200m) after being headed by Neufbosc and staved off the closing run of stable mate Queen Alina.
Last-start in the A.T.A. Stakes (2200m), carrying an extra 3kg, Black Fantasy led for most of the Listed race before Queen Alina got up to win by a long neck.
Ben Pearce believes Black Fantasy has improved since his A.T.A runner-up.
"Our biggest concern was his condition," Pearce told The Races WA.
"After the Towton we thought he sort of trimmed up a fair bit.
"We wanted to get a bit more condition on him.
"But since the A.T.A he has been eating really well and I reckon he's picked up a little bit.
"We are pretty happy with the way he has progressed."
Black Fantasy has drawn barrier 14 in the 16-horse line-up and will be ridden by Lucy Fiore.
Fiore, one of two female riders to win the Perth Cup, is aiming for her second after combining with Material Man, trained by her father, Justin Warwick, in 2018.
Pearce says he's not worried by Black Fantasy's wide draw.
"I don't think it's too much of an issue," Pearce said.
"He's going to go forward anyway and has Zoumon inside of him.
"We should be able to come across and likely sit outside of him.
"We don't have to lead, but he'll be handy and roll across."
Queen Alina's win in the A.T.A snapped a run of close finishes after six placings since her previous win a year ago.
The Mahuta mare has drawn perfectly in gate five and retains the services of gun jockey, Chris Parnham.
"She's going super and it's a perfect gate for her," Pearce said.
"From that gate she can be midfield and just in behind the speed, depending on the tempo that they roll at.
"We're really happy with the way she is going."
TABtouch has Black Fantasy and Queen Alina at $12.
Reflecting market sentiment Pearce says he finds it genuinely hard to separate the pair.
"I thought Black Fantasy and then with that good barrier draw for Queen Alina, I reckon that throws her right in," Pearce said.
"They're both really good chances and fit that criteria of horses that get in on the minimum (53kg).
"They're progressive horses and we're pretty happy with the cards that we've got."
You win some. You lose more. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
