Fiona Scott will gain a clearer picture on whether Brocky’s Deal will contest the $70,000 Esperance Cup (2020m) after he tackles the OD Transport Handicap (2020m).
The Esperance trainer is yet to be convinced the Balestrini gelding can run out the cup distance and requires strong confirmation when he steps out on Friday.
Brocky’s Deal, previously under the care of Lee Smith in Perth, has a record of five wins from 36 starts but has yet to strike in five goes over 2200m.
“He was brought across from Perth with the Esperance Cup in mind and I will assess it after Friday,” said Scott.
“I know at his best what he is capable of but there is a doubt over the trip and I want to see him run it out strongly.”
Brocky’s Deal was sent to Perth in a bid to reignite a disappointing campaign that netted just one placing from seven attempts.
His introduction to Esperance racing got away to an ideal start when over a mile he stormed home from near last to defeat King Of Olympia by a long neck.
“It was a pretty good win and he did what I expected him to do,” said Scott.
“Lee is an ex brother-in-law and that’s how Brocky’s Deal came to me.
“He has settled in really well and seems happy within himself.
“I think he has relished a change of environment.”
Brocky’s Deal, who drops from 58.5kg to the 54kg minimum for Jerry Noske, has drawn barrier two.
Despite meeting a small field of eight, Scott says Brocky’s Deal faces a stern test.
“He drops in weight but goes up in class a little bit,” said Scott.
“So Symbolics’ last-start win was very impressive.
“And Get Around It for Helen Harding is pretty classy.”
So Symbolic, who has discovered a new lease of life under Kalgoorlie horseman, Peter Fernie, defeated Get Around It by two lengths when they clashed over 1985m on January 30.
The Dehere seven-year-old, who has two wins and two seconds from his four Esperance starts this campaign, will carry top weight of 60kg with the claim of Shaun O’Donnell Jnr.
Get Around It, who gains a 2kg weight swing on So Symbolic, should be approaching peak fitness at his fourth run back this time in.
Scenic Blitz ended his 18 start maiden status in emphatic style when he powered to a three length win over Carob (1600m) two weeks ago.
With the monkey of the five-year-olds back, Scott is optimistic Scenic Blitz can land a double blow in the Alma Lodge Wyndham New Zealand Handicap (1600m).
“He had been knocking on the door,” said Scott.
“He should have ended his maiden status a long time ago.
“He has been injury prone but hopefully he might have turned the corner.”