Trainer Helen Harding isn’t surprised by Perignon Don’s form turnaround and expects another bold showing from the Verglas stayer at Northam this afternoon.
Perignon Don scored an upset win on his home track two starts back when he defeated Sheer Logic by a neck margin in a 1760m event on Kalgoorlie Cup day.
The gelding commenced one of the rank outsiders of the field and returned $64.40 and $14.30 on the Tab.
The seven-year-old grey then backed up at Northam and worked to the line strongly to be placed third and one length behind Holder when stepping up to 2200m.
Perignon Don had failed to bother the judges at his previous six outings but Harding believes it was a case of bad luck rather than poor form.
“I thought his runs leading into his last victory were quite good and didn’t really reflect his true form,” said Harding.
“I couldn’t believe the price on offer and it didn’t surprise me to see him run a good race.
“At his previous start he finished fifth but was in a photo for third after getting trapped wide throughout.
“He was always going to improve as he stepped up in journey and got the miles into his legs.”
Harding has her stable racing in good order and claimed her fourth win in six meetings when Donnyonetime scored at Belmont Park last Saturday.
Perignon Dom, to be ridden by Shaun McGruddy, will confront a field of seven in the www.avonvalleywa.com.au Handicap (2200m), including leading chance Monsili.
The Shane Edwards-prepared galloper is getting close after two runs back and ran a solid third to consistent stayer Starlight Lady at Belmont (2200m) last fortnight.
Justine Erkelens can commence the seven race programme on a winning note when she saddles impressive last-start victor Leonora Larriken in the www.northamraceclub.com.au Handicap (1600m).
Racing first up from a spell, the three-year-old was last on jumping, last on turning but first past the post in a powerful finish.
The step up to the mile will only suit and if he reproduces a similar run he could take a stack of beating.
Zedspiel, who was collared by Leonora Larriken in the last stride, can go one better in www.visitnorthamwa.com.au Maiden (1400m).
This is a winnable race for the Danehill Express gelding who is well drawn in gate two and has the class edge over his 11 rivals.
Bruce Watkins and his co-trainer Gary Hitchcock travel from Capel with one entrant but they will be filled with optimism if Richtiram Lass can repeat her effort from last fortnight.
Half way down the straight the Ihtiram mare never looked a serious possibility but jumped out of the ground late to run a long-neck second to Mythical Ceres.
Richtiram Lass can win her first race from six encounters in the XXXX Gold Maiden (1400m).