Wall Prepared For Group One Challenge
9 June, 2016
Harness
If Sarah Wall is showing any signs of nerves ahead of the Del Basso Pearl Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park on Friday she is doing a wonderful job of disguising it.
The 27-year-old part-time trainer prepares hot favourite, Wesley, in the Group 1 classic, but she cut a cool and composed figure when speaking on Tabradio.
Wall and Wesley have discovered the limelight ever since the talented colt stepped out for an impressive maiden win on debut at Pinjarra in January.
That signalled the start of five wins and a third from seven starts, the highlight a Group Two triumph in the Champagne Classic (2130m), Wall’s first city win.
“He started racing quite early as a two-year-old earlier in the season and he has just gone on to be better and better,” Wall said.
“I never thought this would happen six months ago that I would be in this position to be involved in a Group One final.
“But the horse has come along so well and I don’t underestimate how lucky I am to be in this position.”
Wall, who part-owns Wesley, purchased the son of Sportswriter as part of a package deal when former leading Perth owner-breeder, Mick Lombardo, decided to offload his broodmare band.
Wesley enjoyed a week in the paddock following his Champagne Classic win in April before earning TABtouch favouritism after setting a fast pace to win unextended in a Pearl Classic heat.
Giving Wall added confidence ahead of her biggest test is Wesley’s barrier draw. The up and coming juvenile, to be driven by, Reon Tither, will start from the coveted inside position.
“I would be pretty shocked if he didn’t lead after he led from barrier eight in the Champagne Classic,” Wall said.
“I was pretty shocked when he came up with number one and ecstatic to be in a place where everyone wants to be.
“It puts us in a good place where he can utilise his gate speed and I would think he is going to be hard to catch.”
Wesley heads the market at $1.90, followed by Our Zac Whitby ($4.20), Im Rockaria ($5), Allmightyjoelouis ($6.50) and Whoswhointhezoo ($9.50).
“There are definitely some quality horses,” Wall said.
“Im Rockaria and Our Zach Whitby put a great run in his heat.
“You can’t discount Allmightyjoelouis, but he has drawn the back line which makes it a bit more difficult.
“They are probably the top ones and it’s up for grabs for anyone, but I can only hope I am first across the line.”
Julio Santarelli