Dan Pearce is optimistic Hashtag can make a successful return in the Perthracing On Youtube Handicap (1200m) at Belmont Park on Wednesday.
Pearce has chosen a low key return for the daughter of Flying Pegasus who is coming off feature mare races at last year’s Ascot summer carnival.
Hashtag ran a creditable fourth Sheidel in the Jungle Mist Classic (1400m), but came unstuck on soft going when unplaced in the Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m).
“I ran her in those races to get a bit of black type next to her name,” Pearce said on TABradio.
“She only got beaten a couple of lengths behind Sheidel and I thought it was a super effort.
“She tried her heart out and I thought it was a huge run.
“She then hit that wet track the following start and just didn’t go a yard.
“She had a few issues coming out of that race but she is back on track now.”
Hashtag tuned up for her return with a solid trial run over 950m at Lark Hill two weeks ago, running second to Bomber Bay under a good hold.
“She is going super and the trial was great,” Pearce said.
In a field of 12 runners Hashtag will jump from barrier two. Regular rider, Jarrad Noske, retains the mount.
“I would like from that barrier to ride her with a bit of luck,” Pearce said.
“I think she goes her best when she is held up and can dash through them.
“Jarrad rides her super like that and if we can get those splits she will certainly go well.”
Hashtag runs into Colin Webster’s promising gelding, On Trend. The Son of Nicconi looms as the horse to beat after a strong finishing win when he resumed from a spell at Belmont on June 18.
“On Trend is a nice horse in the race,” Pearce said.
“We might be unlucky to be running against a horse on the way up.”
Pearce can land an early blow when Generous Choice looks to breakthrough after four consecutive minor placings in the Amelia Park Pork Handicap (2100m).
The Snitzel gelding fell a nose short of I Done It last-start at Pinjarra, but he should be improved and strip fitter after his first attempt at a middle distance trip.
“It’s a similar field to what he met last time so I think with that run under his belt he certainly will be putting his best foot forward.
“He is going well at the moment, looking good and it seems he may have found the right race for him.”