Fiona Scott maintains Brocky’s Deal will have to continue his level of improvement if he is to be a major player in this week’s $70,000 Esperance Cup (2020m).
The former Perth galloper has discovered a new lease of life under Scott’s tutelage and is unbeaten after posting an important win over the cup distance last week.
The son of Balestrini stormed home over the mile when first-up in January and sat off the speed before striding strongly to defeat Get Round It by one length.
It was Brocky’s Deal’s first win beyond 1800m and erased any doubt he could run out a middle distance trip after five previous attempts.
However, despite Brocky’s Deal’s resurgent form, Scott conceded she felt a little flat following his last-start victory.
“It seems strange to say that but I was a little disappointed he didn’t win by a greater margin,” said Scott.
“I just felt with the run he had he should have gone away and put a couple of lengths on Get Around It.
“I think there could have been a greater margin but in saying that he has pulled up well and I’m happy with him.”
Scott says there are two driving factors that have been instrumental in Brocky’s Deal’s rejuvenated form since joining her stable.
The five-year-old performed capably under previous trainer Lee Smith when he ran third to Dragonlead and fourth to rising star He Or She.
But his current campaign, which commenced in October, failed to meet expected heights with a third to Dabang his only highlight.
“I don’t think there has been anything specific apart from a drop in class and a change of environment,” said Scott.
“He loves the rural lifestyle and being trained out of the paddock.
“He appears to be enjoying it and is very happy.”
Scott, in search of her first Esperance Cup, is seeking to join her partner, Kevin, who has won the feature race on previous three occasions.
She believes standing in her way could be rival Esperance trainer, Helen Harding and her Danehill Express gelding, Get Round It.
The four-year-old, a winner of Tattersall’s Cup (2300m) in Kalgoorlie last year, will be approaching peak fitness after four runs in.
“His run the other day should have topped him off,” said Scott.
“Gold Broker could be coming along as well as Toned for Mark Bairstow.
“It won’t be an easy race to win.”
Scott has hit a hurdle with top apprentice Jerry Noske, an influential contributor to Brocky’s Deal’s Esperance success, doubtful to take the ride.
Noske is likely to remain in Perth and participate on the same day at Ascot that features three Listed races on the programme.
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