Dais came close to scoring a knockout win over hot favourite Passion Prince at Northam two weeks ago-a race that still rankles with co-trainer Ben Pearce.
If not for bad luck in running, Pearce, who shares the training duties with his brother, Dan, believes Dais could have walked away with a top win on debut.
The Sessions mare was held up for the majority of the straight, but once Joe Azzopardi found clear running, she flashed home with big strides for second.
Heavily supported from $8 into $4.40 late, it wasn’t exactly an enjoyable watch for her backers, but Pearce is confident she can bounce back and atone.
After being denied a win first-up, the daughter of Sessions is the $2.10 favourite to get on the winner’s board in the Mr’s Mac Maiden (1100m).
“Her run was a bit difficult to watch,” Ben Pearce told The Races WA.
“She was travelling well, but just could get out when needed.
“Passion Prince had all the momentum.
“She really hit the line once clear.
“She’s come out of the race pretty good.
“We’ve been patient and not rushing her.
“She should be hard to beat, especially if she reproduces her last run.
“I expect her to bounce back and win.”
With the scratching of Sweet Child, Dais will jump from barrier two.
Joe Azzopardi retains the ride.
Meanwhile, jockey Pat Carbery says Cisco Joe can breakthrough at his second race start in the Tabtouch-Better Your Bet Maiden (1100m).
The Vital Equine gelding ran strongly from seventh position and finished nearly a length behind Safety Fuse when on debut at Northam.
Carbery said Cisco Joe is back to full health and ready to produce after taking a few days to recover from his first run three weeks ago.
“He took a few days to get over that run,” Carbery said,
“It was his first day at the races and it took a bit out of him.
“I reckon he almost wins on debut if I got into the clear earlier.
“His closing sectionals were good and I couldn’t have been any happier.
“Bernie (Miller) and I have a bit of a rap on him.
“He’s got a lot of natural ability.
“He’s going good into the race.”
Cisco Joe has drawn in the middle of the 10-horse line-up.
The Bernie Miller-trained galloper is $3.70 and second favourite in current Tabtouch betting.
Advanced for Peters Investments holds $2.65 market lead.
Cisco Joe is one of 72 nominations for the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) at Ascot, to be held on November 20.
