Pike’s Power Pick
Champion jockey William Pike has delivered a glowing endorsement of WA Derby winner Regal Power’s trial performance at Lark Hill yesterday.
Regal Power finished a close second to former stablemate Perfect Jewel in a 950m trial, the first time he had been seen publically since the epic Group 2 Derby win in April.
The four-year-old looms as a key Ascot carnival contender for owner-breeders Bob and Sandra Peters, given the absence of Arcadia Queen, Enticing Star and Galaxy Star.
Pike said the way Regal Power, a full brother of 2018 WA Derby winner Action, performed strongly in the strong trial.
“I was lobbing along in behind them,” he told TABradio.
“I was concerned we weren’t going to get enough out of the trial.
“I thought ‘we are going to get left flat footed here and I’m going to make this look really plain’.
“He kicked into gear and I started going past them.”
Action finished a further two-and-a-half lengths behind Regal Power.
Perfect Jewel made her first public appearance for new trainer Adam Durrant, following mixed fortunes last summer.
Pike also teamed up with last start Group 3 Scahill Stakes winner Arcadia Prince, a full brother to Group 1 winner Arcadia Queen, in an earlier trial.
A winner at seven of 13 starts, Arcadia Prince defeated a star studded field in the trial headlined by Samizdat and multiple Perth Cup winner Star Exhibit.
Pike said he hoped Arcadia Prince could continue to step up in class this campaign.
“I thought his trial was good,” he said.
“I ended up in front, which is a bit unusual.
“He’s a lovely big strong horse and I really hope he can step up again this year.”
Pike also teamed up with another of the Peters’ Listed race winners from the autumn Creative Hero in another 950m trial on the day.
Despite being beaten seven lengths, Pike said he was hopeful the gelding would slowly find confidence this campaign and show his Challenge Stakes winning form.
Tim Walker