Pike Excited By Showmanship Debut
Much of the focus at Belmont’s Wednesday meeting will be on Showmanship, who finally gets an opportunity to shine and strut his wares when he steps out for his much-anticipated debut.
As a member of owner-breeder Bob Peters and co-trainers Grant and Alana Williams’s all powerful team, there is natural attention, but even jockey William Pike is brimming with anticipation.
After racking up a hat trick of trial wins Showmanship is ready to step out for his first official outing in a competitive race, tackling the Tabtouch-Better Your Bet Handicap (1000m).
The Showcasing three-year-old has been installed the TAB favourite to win first-up, he is at $1.80 with Lipstick Flickers at ($3.80) and Wakan Tanka ($7), My Lady Fair ($8) and False Statement ($9.50).
“We have been waiting a little while for him,” Pike told Tabradio.
“He has been a work in progress for quite a while.
“So hopefully he shows what we think he has got.
“He is a nice horse that has been working well and winning his trials.
“He has above average ability.
“The 1000 metres will be tricky I think, but I think he does have some class, there is no doubt about that.
“He has always shown a lot and hopefully the wait will be worthwhile.
“I hope we are not getting too excited, but he definitely feels nice.
“Everything he has shown us he feels nice.”
Pike will also ride Snippy Miss, Okina Kuri, Watto’s Assassin, Zaratite, Melteme, Truly Belong, True Image and Scenic Journey.
The champion rider has made a blistering start to the new Belmont season, riding eight winners across three meetings.
Pike says Snippy Miss can run a cheeky race in race one: Free Entry To Belmont Park Plate (1200m).
He also has a lot of time for Showmanship’s stable mate Zaratite in the Perth Racing Club Membership Handicap (1300m).
Julio Santarelli