Veteran trainer Wally Mitchell says Big Red Costa deserves to have a shot at the WA Guineas (1600m) after landing a soft win in the Champion Fillies Day On November 14 Handicap (1500m) at Ascot on Wednesday.
Finding the front from barrier one and taking advantage of a slowly run race, the son of Von Cota De Hero was well rated by apprentice, Aaron Mitchell, to end a frustrating run of four placings from his first seven starts.
Secret Doubt tried to run down Big Red Costa and would have lost no admirers in falling a long-neck second, while third placegetter, Incoming Tide, was doing her best work near late, but had too much ground to make up from near last.
Mitchell said Big Red Costa, who started a $3.50 favourite, deserved to breakthrough and land his maiden win.
“He has been unlucky against some pretty smart horses,” said Mitchell.
“He is a horse who is bred to stay and keeps going.
“I thought he might be immature, but he keeps coming through.
“I think he deserves a chance at the Guineas.”
Meanwhile David Harrison believes Lucky Legacy will progress to Saturday company after a narrow win in the Weddings At Perth Handicap (1100m).
The three-year-old was racing first up this preparation after running some creditable races in her maiden campaign last season.
Ridden by Pat Carbery she settled back near last before joining Jingtang with a sweeping run half way down the straight.
A head margin separated the pair with Jingtang a little unlucky after racing wide without cover. Ellora May ran third on debut.
“I’m sure she can be a Saturday horse for sure,” said Harrison.
The Harrison and Carbery combination landed the second leg of a double when Danabresa ran on strongly to take out the Perth Racing Facebook Handicap (2200m).
“I thought it was an enormous job after she pulled hard,” said Harrison.
“She did a lot wrong, but dug deep for a soft win.
“She is not the easiest horse to handle but she has a crack.”
Julio Santarelli: RWWA