Mega Minx ‘really hard to beat’ in next step to Ascot

The scratching of Chris Gangemi’s Shackleton has given Ben Pearce confidence that Mega Minx can claim a second career victory today at the Bunbury Turf Club.

The four-year-old mare won last up at Bunbury over 1000m and is expected to start as one of the favourites for the $17,500 Own the Dream Event Series Handicap (1008m).

Pearce said there was a number of race options for Mega Minx, but today’s was the best for her.

“We think she is going well and should be really hard to beat,” he said.

Pearce said for now he hoped to get Mega Minx through the grades.

“It has been a bit different this preparation,” he said.

“Although she won across the 1000m, she came second across 1400m.

“This time she has been really keen in the races and doesn’t look like she is going to get much further.

“One of the races where William Pike rode her at Ascot, she drew wide and there was a heap of speed.

“He grabbed hold and got in behind them and she attacked really strong.

“So if we were going to look to (go a further distance) we would have to find one where there is going to be plenty of speed.”

Pearce said he wanted to get Mega Minx into a strong Ascot race.

“Hopefully she goes well tomorrow and then we will look at getting her back into town,” he said.

Gangemi’s other thoroughbred, Supposition will be Mega Minx’s best competition, with first choice jockey Jarrad Noske choosing to ride the gelding over Mega Minx.

“Jarrad won on her last start and did have the option to ride her but chose Gangemi’s horse, so they are obviously the ones to beat,” he said.

Pearce said he was confident that Mega Minx’s stablemate, Trakiato was a chance to break maiden status when the three-year-old colt races the $15,000 Country Builders WA Maiden (1208m).

“We think he is a pretty nice horse,” he said.

“We will look to push him a bit further. We think he will step up into the 1400m as time goes on.”