A lengthy gap between runs could pave the way for First Encounter to make his presence felt on his return to racing at Ascot tomorrow, according to Peters Investment’s Liam Peters.
The gelding hasn’t raced since February 2024, where he was unplaced behind subsequent Group 1 winner Another Wil at Caulfield.
He hasn’t raced in Perth since August 2023, when he had a campaign under Adam Durrant that included three consecutive wins.
Now under the care of Michael Grantham, First Encounter makes his highly anticipated return in tomorrow’s Belhus Racing Join A Racing Syndicate Handicap (1400m).
Peters said there weren’t any concerns around the gelding’s soundness, despite being a five-year-old and having just seven starts in his career so far.
“He’s always been nice and sound,” Peters told TABradio.
“It’s more just giving him the time.
“His brother (Star Exhibit) wasn’t dissimilar and that paid off with two Perth Cups.”
First Encounter has trialled twice ahead of his return tomorrow, the first of which saw him finish less than a length behind Date Withthe Devil over 1000m at Pinjarra.
He subsequently finished more than four lengths behind Azena over 950m in his second trial at Lark Hill last month.
Peters said he was happy with how First Encounter was progressing ahead of the first-up assignment.
“The first trial back was really impressive,” he said.
“He’s lightly raced, so he would’ve learnt a bit going between horses.
“He’s on track for those trials.
“I think it may be too short for him as opposed to the stablemate (Western Power) in the same race.
“However, he’s shown a bit of sprint in his legs to win twice before at 1400.”
First Encounter has the services of star jockey William Pike on return and will start from barrier six.
Western Power, who was narrowly beaten by Trio last start, is the $2.60 TABtouch favourite for the event, despite coming back from 1600m.
Peters said he didn’t expect the drop in trip to worry Western Power and indicated he could return to his winning ways.
Tim Walker
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