Pearce duo set for feature assault: Decoration eyes redemption, Ginger Baker returns

Ben Pearce is backing Decoration to bounce back in Sunday’s Tattersalls Club Cup (1616m) in Kalgoorlie, believing a return to the Goldfields will reignite the gelding’s best form.

The five-year-old was below par last start at Pinjarra, finishing last in a field of nine over 1600m, but Pearce, who trains in partnership with his brother, Dan, is optimistic a change of scenery will bring about a form turnaround.

“He just doesn’t handle the soft track at all,” Pearce said to Racing WA.

“The run was really ordinary but getting back on top of ground he will bounce back.”

Decoration is unbeaten in Kalgoorlie, winning both his races, including a dominant display two starts back over 1760m when he took off at the turn and won by an easy 1 ½ lengths.

Pearce says combined with a perfect inside barrier draw and his affinity for the track, he believes Decoration is set for a strong showing in the Tattersalls Cup.

“He seems to handle the track really well,” Pearce said.

“From the draw he should be right there on speed and be hard to beat.

“He’s well and I’m confident he’ll get back to form.”

Pearce said if Decoration can live up to the stable’s expectations, further Kalgoorlie feature races could be on the card, with the Coolgardie Cup a race firmly in mind.

“Quite possibly,” Pearce said.

“If he came out and won well, he might be one of those horses that loves the track.

“If that’s the case the Coolgardie Cup could be an option.”

Decoration, a winner in four of 23 starts, has gate one in the Tattersalls Cup and will be ridden by Tash Faithful.

Another member of the Pearce camp who also could be headed for Kalgoorlie feature races is Ginger Baker, who resumes in Saturday’s Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) at Belmont.

It’s been nearly 50 days since Ginger Baker last raced; the son of Gingerbread Man was last seen winning the South-West Autumn Cup (2200m) in Bunbury.

Pearce says if the rain continues in Perth ahead of Saturday, he won’t be disappointed, believing it will enhance Ginger Baker’s winning credentials.

“If we get more rain and it’s a genuine heavy (track) it throws him into it,” Pearce said.

“It will be a big effort to go from winning a South-West Cup over 2200m to an Idyllic Prince Stakes, but given how good he is on those heavy tracks it throws him in.

“The Coolgardie Cup, the Boulder Cup and Kalgoorlie Cup are on his agenda.

“He is better on the softer surface but doesn’t have many options.”

Ginger Baker is currently a $11 chance and will jump from barrier seven with Faithfull booked for the ride.

Pearce also confirmed their speedy sprinter Acromantula is back in the stable after time in Melbourne where he posted one win at Moonee Valley 

The Written Tycoon eight-year-old returns to WA with the Summer Scorcher, a Listed race over 1000m on January 1 at Ascot in his sights.

Julio Santarelli