No Limits for Easthope in Aquanita Stakes

Trainer Jeremy Easthope said backing from champion jockey William Pike gave him a confidence boost that Upper Limits could land a feature breakthrough at Belmont on Saturday.

Upper Limits is hunting for a first major win in the Aquanita Stakes after a run of listed placings in the Belmont Guineas (1600m), Raconteur Stakes (1400m) and Fairetha Stakes (1400m).

Jeremy Easthope’s major concern for Upper Limits was if he could run out a strong 2000m in the Aquanita Stakes, but his doubts were allayed after William Pike’s assessment of the three-year-old.

Pike, who rode Upper Limits on debut at Ascot last year, reunited with Upper Limits in the Belmont Guineas and gave the Exosphere gelding a positive report.

For a fleeting moment at the 200m mark, Upper Limits looked the winner, but couldn’t withstand the brilliant finishing rails run from Rusty Dreams.

“He pulled up better than what he did after the Raconteur, heaps better.” Easthope told Tabradio.

“We go into unchartered waters, I still have a query he will get 2000m, but it was the logical step to try and break his duck in one of these listed races.

“Willie (Pike) also suggested the Belmont Guineas has set him up for the 2000m and that he should get it.”

Purchased for $10,000 at the Adelaide Magic Millions yearling sale, Upper Limits has returned $105,655 in earnings.

He’s gone around 10 times in races and although his winning strike rate is not high, he has performed at a consistent level.

Upper Limits has gone past the post first just once from ten starts, but does have eight placings alongside his name.

His only real failure came in last year’s WA Guineas (1600m), the final run of his campaign when he beat one runner home.

“He hasn’t let us down in his career yet,” Easthope said.

“It will be nice to actually knock one of these listed races off.

“Just more for the horse because I think once he knocks one off he can put together three or four next time in.”

Pike sticks with Upper Limits in the Aquanita Stakes and jumps from barrier nine.

He’s after four Aquanita Stakes after True Attraction (2019), Arcadia Dream (2016) and Lord Hatras (2012).

Upper Limits currently holds $2.60 market lead with Tabtouch; Demolish is next at $3