Pearce Brothers Dominate A.T.A Feature-Perth Cup Build Up Is On
Co trainers Ben and Dan Pearce dominated today’s Listed A.T.A Stakes (2200m) at Ascot with a one-two finish to give the stable a powerful hand in the Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1.
One of three A.T.A Stakes runners for the Pearce brothers, Queen Alina and Black Fantasy took control of the feature staying race from the moment the gates had opened.
Black Fantasy, with Lucy Fiore in the saddle, took up the running in front, while Queen Alina, ridden by Chris Parnham, showed versatility to go forward outside of her stable mate.
Little separated the pair as they went stride for stride from the top of the straight, but Queen Alina, carrying 3kg’s less than Black Fantasy, gained the upper hand over the last 50m to score.
Ending a frustrating run of minor placings, Queen Alina broke through to defeat Black Fantasy by a long-neck with a further short-head to third place getter, Blazing Away.
Following a third in the Luckygray Stakes (1800m) and a second to Black Fantasy in the Towton Cup (2200m), Ben Pearce said taking out the A.T.A Stakes was a deserving one for Queen Alina.
“it was super,” Pearce said.
“She’s done a good job, like she’s come through and had preps that weren’t 100 per cent suitable.
“I think she’s done a good job and to get a good race win is really good for her.
“I thought she was going to be back midfield, maybe worse; it wasn’t what I expected.
“But she bounced out and it worked out perfect.”
Queen Alina, who started a $4.80 favourite, clawed one back on Black Fantasy who had bragging after his victory in the Towton Cup.
3kg’s separated the staying pair today, but they’ll meet on level weights when they clash in 12 days’ time in the Perth Cup.
Pearce said Black Fantasy lost no fans in his loss today.
“With the weight difference it brought Queen Alina into the race,” Pearce said.
“Back at equal weights in the Perth Cup it could even things right up.
“It’s really exciting to have two really good chances like this heading into a Perth Cup.
“It’s a real credit to the team at home and all the work they do behind the scenes.”
Pearce said it’s now a case of management rather than fitness that will prepare Queen Alina and Black Fantasy ahead of their Perth Cup tilt.
“They’ll spend a fair amount of time down the beach,” Pearce said.
“They’ll be enjoying the next 12 days for sure, they are fit enough, they’ve had the runs under their belt, so it’s beach and grass paddocks that will see them out.”
Black Fantasy is $7 and Queen Alina $13 in Tabtouch Perth Cup markets.
Casino Seventeen, to run in Saturday’s Ted Van Heemst (2100m), is the $3.80 favourite.
Julio Santarelli