Ben Pearce admits he has been taken aback somewhat by the progress and improvement of Let’s Galahvant who has gone from strength to strength this campaign.
Ben Pearce says Let’s Galahvant has been a genuine surprise packet and he’s confident the in-form four-year-old can continue an upward spiral at Kalgoorlie on Thursday.
Pearce didn’t have high expectations for Let’s Galahvant at the beginning of his preparation, but now harbours Listed ambitions in the Tabtouch-Hannans Handicap (1400m).
Approaching the 12th and final start of his breakout campaign, Let’s Galahvant has won six races since May, including the past two in succession and placed third twice.
Pearce said it was Let’s Galahvant’s previous victory at Belmont when he burst through to overhaul Em Tee Aye that convinced him to have a shot at career-best opposition in the Hannans.
“He had a lot of issues that we couldn’t get right, but everything’s settled down and he is healthy,” Pearce told The Races WA.
“He’s going through his grades and is enjoying a nice prep.
“Last start at 72 + level was the first time he got tested against those better horses and we were really impressed by the way he did it.
“That was enough to warrant us taking him to Kalgoorlie and we were happy to go around, it’s all fallen into place.
“From the gate I reckon he’s going to get a real nice run, he could be one out, one back and gets every chance.
“He’s just so well in himself and it’s a matter of keeping him in one piece, he’s in a real happy place and looks a million bucks.
“He’s deep into to his prep, but continues to improve and shows no signs of slowing down.”
Let’s Galahvant will come out of gate five and is on the 54kg minimum. Natasha Faithfull gets her first sit on the gelding.
Meanwhile Pearce, who co-trains with his brother, Dan, has not given up hope on Dig Deep making an impact in the Hannans.
The six-year-old was desperately unlucky not to win last year’s Hannans after a slashing second to shock winner, Startthefriar.
He’s rarely looked like winning since that run and has been well beaten at his past two starts on rain affected tracks.
“He’s trying to recapture his best form,” Pearce said.
“Maybe it’s Belmont where he doesn’t manage to be competitive.
“Just working on getting him back to a different track and getting his form back.
“If he races like he did there last year he’s going to be right in it.
“He’ll be hard to beat if he bounces back to form.”
Dig Deep has drawn barrier six and carries 56.5kg for Kyra Yuill.
Tabtouch have Let’s Galahvant currently quoted at $8 and Dig Deep at $17.
