Helen Harding is daring to dream she can win the Esperance Cup (2020m) with Get Round It on Saturday.
Honours in your hometown cup is a title all trainers strive for but it’s one that has so far eluded Harding.
Her best result came courtesy of Imperial Command who ran second to Defy Me two years ago.
But with Get Around It, an up and coming four-year-old, Harding has a real shot of landing her cherished prize.
The Danehill Express gelding impressed last campaign when he won two races in Kalgoorlie including the Tattersall’s Cup over 2300m.
Harding has mapped out Get Round It’s Esperance preparation with precision and maintains the gelding is building to his top.
He has been placed in three of four starts and had his final hit out when one length second to Brocky’s Deal two weeks ago.
“I have been really pleased with each of his runs,” said Harding.
“I think he is building and gathering momentum.
“I’m hoping he will be at his peak.”
Get Round It gains a vital 2kg weight swing on Brocky’s Deal who is chasing his third consecutive Esperance win since joining Fiona Scott’s stable from Perth.
Get Round It carries 55kg and has drawn ideally in gate six for jockey Takahide Ikenushi.
Brocky’s Deal is on the 54kg minimum and combined with apprentice, Emma Stent, will start from barrier five.
Get Round It leads a two-pronged attack for Harding with stable mate Prince Charming looking to cause an upset.
Earlier in his campaign he showed good form over shorter distances but his past two runs have been moderate.
The Brief Truce gelding ran fifth to King Olympia (1985m) and was placed eighth behind Scenic Blitz (1600m) two weeks ago.
The six-year-old, who has drawn the widest gate in the field of 14 for Colin Haddon, has yet to win beyond a mile.
Julio Santarelli
www.rwwa.com.au
