Trainer Tony Triscari is more than willing to contemplate that his seven-year-old Premium Choice can deliver a knockout blow in Saturday’s Beaufine Stakes (1000m) at Pinjarra.
Premium Choice is a $16 outsider in the $125,000 Listed feature, but Triscari believes his bay gelding can defy the odds and advises punters he’s primed to run well first up.
Premium Choice came close to securing maiden black type success when last in work after finishing one length second to Man Crush in the Miss Andretti Stakes (1100m) in January.
Effective when racing fresh and with a clear aptitude over 1000m, Premium Choice comes back after finishing 3 ½ lengths from Quokka champion Jokers Grin in the Rock Magic Stakes (1000m) five months ago.
Premium Choice goes up against another rising star with Repossession, unbeaten and chasing a winning hat trick this time in, the hot Beaufine Stakes favourite, but Triscari is adamant Premium Choice will provide stern opposition.
“He’s really well and has come up good,” Triscari said on Tabradio.
“We’re hoping for a big performance tomorrow (Saturday).
“He’s about as good as I’ve ever had him to be honest.
“He’s got through the preparation pretty well.
“He’s got a few feet issues, the bars are on, but it’s more a precautionary thing with him.
“We’ve set him for this one race and that was it.
“He’ll be in it up to his ears, that’s for sure.”
Premium Choice leaves gate 12 and will be ridden by Holly Watson.
Julio Santarelli