All Grunt’s blistering debut performance at Northam caught trainer Tiarnna Noske somewhat by surprise and she’s keen to see how he follows up at Belmont on Saturday.
Tiarnna Noske knows All Grunt has ability, a couple of nice trials were evidence, but for three-year-old to kick off his racing career in the manner that he did, created a big impression.
Ridden by Noske’s partner, Jarrad Noske, All Grunt covered territory for most of the race, but packed too many guns for his rivals when he pulled clear to win by five lengths.
Noske has wasted no time in bringing All Grunt to town where he’ll look to take the next step and go to another level against eight combatants over 1200m.
“He hasn’t missed a beat,” Noske said on Tabradio.
“He obviously had shown us a bit before going to the races, but we probably weren’t expecting that from him first up.
“I’m really looking forward to what he can do tomorrow (Saturday).
“He’s definitely improved on last time and is just a professional racehorse.
“The time wasn’t overly fast at Northam, but he won very impressively and his last 600m was good.
“I think he’ll appreciate the step-up to 1200m and will be going there with a fair bit of confidence.”
Tabtouch punters are finding it hard to separate All Grunt and debutant Perfect Chant, both gallopers are fighting for favouritism.
Perfect Chant, a Toronado filly from the in-form Dan and Ben Pearce stable, has looked ultra impressive in winning both her trials.
All Grunt has eased from $2.20 to $2.90; Perfect Chant has tightened from $3.30 to $2.90.
All Grunt, with Noske (Jarrad) aboard, jumps from barrier seven.
Perfect Chant, to be ridden by Chris Parnham, has gate five.
Meanwhile, Noske’s consistent mare Becalotti resumes first-up since June in a 1200m encounter.
“She’s such a good bread and butter horse,” Noske said.
“She always turns up and puts in.
“She’s drawn a little sticky, but appreciates being out on her own.
“Her work behind the scenes has been excellent.
“Her first up runs most preps have been really good.
“I think she can go pretty close.”
Becalotti has one win and two seconds from three fresh attempts.
She starts from barrier ten, the widest gate with Noske to partner.
She’s currently $8 behind Bondi Plunge ($2.65) and Keep Attacking ($3.10).
Noske says exciting gelding Esprit Garcon is cooling his jets, waiting for the Ascot season to commence next month before exploding once again.
The five-year-old hasn’t been seen since reeling off his fourth straight victory in January, to go with dual seconds from his opening two starts.
“He’s ticking over at home,” Robertson said.
“He’s about ready to go, but we’re just waiting for Ascot.
“He’s pretty much ready to race, but ticking him over for opening meeting.
“He’s come back good and looking forward to Ascot.”
