Regardless of the outcome in the Del Basso Importers & Exporters PTY LTD Handicap (1600m) at Belmont, trainer Ben Pearce predicts a bright future for Bomber Bay.
The Lark Hill trainer has a high opinion of his rising charge and has been encouraged by what he has seen from the son of Oratorio this campaign.
Commencing in a Pinjarra maiden Bomber Bay impressed when he rattled home from the back of the field to defeat Dark Rhythm by ¾’s of a length.
Taken to Ascot and Belmont he was defeated but lost no admirers with strong finishing thirds to North Ridge and Our Finest Moments.
The early going looks highly promising for Bomber Bay with arguably immaturity and rawness preventing an improved strike rate.
He is well regarded by punters on Tabtouch tomorrow, battling it out with the Phil Humann-trained Keysbrook who shades him for favouritism.
Keysbrook races first-up after placings behind glamour mare Delicacy in three features including the WA Derby (2400m) in April.
The So Secret filly heads the market at $3.50 and with the claim of apprentice, Jordan Turner, is afforded top weight of 56kg.
Bomber Bay, rated a $3.80 chance, reunites with Ben Patterson who will negotiate the ride from the widest gate in barrier 11.
“The barrier is not ideal and we will have to see how the race pans out, but even if he is three deep with cover it gets him off the fence,” said Pearce on Tabradio.
“He seems to get lost when stuck on the fence so it probably won’t be too bad being away from there.
“On ability he measures up with them for sure but it’s just a matter if he costs himself because he is a bit green.
“I’m not too concerned with what he does this preparation because it’s really a matter of education before tipping him out and knowing we are going to have a very nice horse next time in.”
Stable mate Raising Dubai faces a steep test on his return but Pearce says there was something to take out of the five-year-old’s slick Lark Hill trial win.
The Dubai Destination gelding generally tackles a mile race when first up but Pearce has elected to target the Del Basso Smallgoods Est 1957 Handicap (1300m).
“We’ve always thought of him as our old stayer but to see the turn of foot he had in the trial against some good open company horses we thought we would give him a go at the shorter trip,” said Pearce.
“You can normally get eight to ten runs out of him because he is pretty tough but going back through to his last few preparations he does run a cheeky race first up and nearly pinched it last time.
“First up and second up he runs that good fresh race but then hits a flat spot in between until he gets up to 2000 and 2200 metres so that’s something to keep in mind.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli