It’s been a small sample size, but co-trainer Ben Pearce likes what he sees in Richanco.
Pearce hopes his judgment will be vindicated when the youngster faces his first black-type test in Saturday’s Listed Raconteur Stakes (1400m).
Richanco burst onto the scene with wins from his opening two starts and Pearce, who trains alongside his brother, Dan, foresees a big future.
“I like the horse, Pearce said to the Races WA.
“He’s still pretty raw and green and has a lot to learn.
“But, he’s got a lot of ability and I like the horse.
“I think he will be up to them.”
Richanco destroyed his rivals on debut at Pinjarra in May, at the post holding a dominant three length margin over Olivia’smemumma.
Swiftly out of the barriers, the Rich Enuff gelding was allowed to cruise in front by jockey, Chris Parnham and kicked clear in the straight.
He followed up over the same course and distance a fortnight later, fighting on stoutly for victory after box seating behind the leaders.
Four weeks later at Belmont when stepping up to 1400m he was in front for a long way and only faded to third over the final 50m.
Although a winning hat trick was denied by Raconteur rival, Brave Spirit, Pearce came out of the run with a degree of confidence.
“I thought he was pretty good, really,” Pearce said.
“He was a month between runs and going to 1400m for the first time.
“Chris (Parnham) was hoping to go as soft as he could.
“They then came around him and the sprint was on.
“I thought he was good.
“Now he has seen the trip and had that hit out it’s better for him.”
With Parnham jumping off Richanco to ride The Boss Lady , Pearce has turned to champion jockey,William Pike to take the mount.
Pike is on the hunt for his third Raconteur victory after piloting Graceful Girl (2021) and Western Blaze (2013).
From barrier three, Pearce says Pike has options on Richanco.
“He’s been landing there in front, but he doesn’t have to be,” Pearce said.
“The benefit of the draw on Saturday is that he has options.
“He can jump neutral and let it unfold and see where he ends up.
“Going back through one of his trials he sat last and went straight past A Lot Of Good Men.
“He’s a horse who has a turn of foot as well.
“He doesn’t have to go right back, but we’ll leave it up to Willie.”
Richanco is $7.50 with Tabtouch, drifting after he opened $6 Wednesday.
Generosity, from $4.60 to $3.90, holds market lead.
Pearce can join his brother on the Raconteur Stakes honour board.
Dan prepared Testamezzo when training solo in 2014.
