Positive feedback from jockey Jarrad Noske has co-trainer Dan Pearce hopeful that Perfect Chant can win Saturday’s Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m) at Pinjarra.
Noske had his first sit on the Toronado filly in a Belmont trial last week and gave a glowing assessment after she impressively she won her 1000m heat.
Perfect Chant settled last for Noske, but once he gave her full rein, she descended strongly with a sharp turn of foot to keep her perfect record in four trials intact.
Perfect Chant opened her winning account on debut at Belmont last September and finished fourth at her only other start behind star filly Storyville at Bunbury.
Storyville underlined star quality by winning the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) and Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) double last November.
“She trialled really well and Jarrad was impressed with her,” Dan Pearce said on Tabradio.
“That was the first time he had a sit on her and he was very positive afterwards.
“He’s getting down to the 55kg, which he hasn’t done for a while, so, yeah, she’s ticking along nicely.”
At $6, Perfect Chant shares the second line of betting with Ryan Hill’s tough filly, London’s Image, a Listed Burgess Queen (1400m) winner last November and unbeaten in two starts this preparation.
Shmoov Mover, one of four starters for trainer, Simon Miller, is the $2.90 market leader.
In a capacity line-up of sixteen horses, Perfect Chant has drawn barrier 10.
“I think the draw is good for her,” Pearce said.
“Hopefully she can find a spot and get to the middle of the track.
“She’s a big striding girl and that seems to be the way she races.
“She’s a winner first up over 1200m coming off the back of two impressive trials.
“We’re really happy with her and looking forward to Saturday.
“She’s well-bred and one that’s shown stakes-level ability.”
The Pearce brothers will strive to win their fourth Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy and first as a partnership.
Dan prepared Testamezzo (2014) and Let It Slip (2016) and Ben enjoyed success with Enchanted Dream (2017).
Meanwhile, in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m), the Pearce brothers will have a two-pronged attack with Perfectly Proper and Hold My Wine leading their assault.
Perfectly Proper has had the two outings with her best result a runner up finish last start when she was mowed down in front by Our Naughty Secret in January.
The daughter of Pierata will be ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter, who steered her home to a comfortable trial win in a Belmont tune up last week.
“She’s really good and had a soft trial with Clint on board,” Pearce said.
“She trialled in blinkers which she’ll take to the races.
“She’s drawn barrier 10 but comes in four barriers with the scratching of the emergencies.
“It looks like a nice set up for her.”
Conversely, Pearce says barrier 17 will hurt the prospects of Hold My Wine.
The son of Safeguard also went well in winning a trial for Natasha Faithfull, who retains the mount.
Perfectly Proper is $9.50 with Tabtouch and Hold My Wine $16.
Strideaway is the $3.50 favourite.
Julio Santarelli