Daniel and Ben Pearce are just stoked that Queen Alina is getting a run in the Perth Cup at Ascot on Sunday, but make no mistake – she's also got a turn of foot to be competitive.
After her last start when she stormed home inside the final furlong to win the Platinum Cup two weeks ago, Ben said a spot in the Group 2 staying race over 2400m would be “unlikely”.
But here she is lining up for her share of the $500,000 on offer, with 53kg on her back and an $8.50 winning chance according to online bookmakers.
“If you said at the start of this prep that we were going to go to the Perth Cup, we would've laughed at you,” Daniel Pearce told RacingOnline, with Shaun McGruddy to have the ride.
“We threw in a nom just because. We thought it was unlikely that she'd get a run.
“And when she did (get accepted) it was a pleasant surprise.”
Because of her impressive win last start, Pearce believes his developing four-year-old mare can challenge favourites Alaskan God and Truly Inspired, both $3.90 winning chances.
“The exciting part was the last set she ran – it was the fastest 200 split of the day last start,” Pearce said.
“And that was over 2100m. To be running her last split like that was pretty impressive.
“In the space of 50m, she really put the race away. If you can do that at the end of a staying trip, it makes you above average.”
Pearce said Queen Alina pulled up nicely from her Platinum Cup victory.
“She came through it well, so we're looking forward to Cup Day,” he said.
“She didn't overdo it, and we're confident the extra distance will only suit her more.
“She's a progressive mare, and she's going from strength to strength.
“She's a nice horse, and she's got to be in with a live chance.”
In all eight of Queen Alina's career starts this year she has been a model of consistency, with four wins and three runner-up finishes.
Regardless of where she ends up on Sunday, Pearce believes his stayer has a promising 2023 ahead of her.
“She has kept improving as her preparation has gone on,” he said.
“Sunday's her grand final, but she's going to be a nice horse moving forward.
“She's had a breakout prep, and to think she could improve again moving forward is pretty exciting.”
Pearce is also confident about Roch Legacy's chances in the Perth Handicap over 2200m, and Acromantula in the $125,000 Listed Summer Scorcher (1000m).
Roch Legacy finished less than two lengths behind Queen Alina in fourth spot in the Platinum Cup, and goes in with $8.50 winning odds.
Acromantula was a last-start winner in a Benchmark 78 Handicap also over 1000m, saluting by almost two lengths at Ascot on December 10.
He is a $4.80 winning chance, behind $3.90 favourite Wilchino for Dan Morton.
“Acromantula is going really well at the moment. It's his toughest test to date,” Pearce said.
“He's a horse who's been going well and finding the front without a lot of pressure.
“There's a lot more pressure in this race, so if he can absorb that then he's in a good spot.
“Roch Legacy – it was a good run. He was only just off Queen Alina in his last start.
“He's a nice horse and he's a great chance in that race.”
Meanwhile, four-year-old gelding Black Fantasy will shoot for his fourth consecutive win first-up next Saturday, spelled after his convincing six-length victory in a Benchmark 78 Handicap over 2100m at Belmont on July 30.
“Black Fantasy has won his past three. He's trialed really well and will kick off his preparation next Saturday,” Pearce said of the Listed Aquanita Stakes victor.
“He's a very exciting horse.”
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