One of Dan and Ben Pearce’s talented horses is gearing up for a return to the racetrack following an injury-enforced layoff.
Ben Pearce, who co-trains in partnership with his brother, Dan, confesses he’s excited about Black Fantasy, who has taken big strides in his recovery.
Black Fantasy has not raced in 15-months, but indicated he was in fine fettle after a close second in a Lark Hill barrier trial this morning (Monday).
Ridden by Lucy Fiore, Black Fantasy took up the running in front, but was never fully extended when shaded on the line by Brave Venture.
Pearce was rapt with Black Fantasy’s heat effort and said it came as no real surprise based on how the five-year-old had been going at home.
Such has been his work behind the scenes and on his latest trial, it’s forced a rethink and a change of plans from the Pearce brothers going forward.
“He is going super and we have been stoked with the way he has been going,” Ben Pearce told The Races WA.
“His work has been next level and he’s showing us he’s going pretty good.
“Originally we were looking at running through a couple of easier options, something like the Northam Cup (1600m) or something.
“But the way he has been working we thought why not have a crack at the Railway (1600m).
“The plan is to give him a couple of weeks off in the paddock and then we trial again.
“He will then go first up in the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and into the Railway.
“The main aim was a Perth Cup (2400m) prep, but we are happy enough with the way he’s going to aim high and see how he goes.”
Black Fantasy has not raced since showing above average ability as a three-year-old a couple of seasons back at Belmont.
He claimed a winning hat trick including dual Listed victories in the Aquanita Stakes (2000m) and Belmont Classic (2000m).
The Blackfriars gelding also ran consecutive thirds in the Raconteur Stakes (1400m) and Belmont Guineas (1600m).
Despite feature wins over a middle distance staying trip, Pearce believes Black Fantasy is best served over shorter ground.
“He’s obviously won those good races at the staying trip, but he is effective sprinting fresh too,” Pearce said.
“We think he’s a horse if he gets into a Railway with 53kg he is more than capable.”
Meanwhile, Pearce says he’s looking forward to another top run from Acromantula in Melbourne on Saturday.
After winning the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley, the explosive sprinter tackles Group 2 company in the McEwen Stakes (1000m) at the same course and venue.
“I galloped him on the grass at Pakenham on Saturday and I was really happy with his work,” Pearce said.
“I think he probably worked better than a fortnight before.”
