Champion jockey William Pike can see no reason why Fear The Wind can’t continue his charge to another victory at Belmont on Saturday.
William Pike and Fear The Wind are on the crest of a winning wave and will look to keep that momentum going in the Rogan Josh Stakes (2200m).
Fear The Wind has been a revelation this winter for co-trainers Dan and Ben Pearce and is shooting for his fifth straight win this campaign.
“He’s a progressive horse and each time the bar has been raised he steps up,” Pike told The Races WA.
“I don’t think this race is any stronger than what he’s been in.
“He’s definitely been a good find in the winter for me, he gives me a good feel and has been doing everything perfectly.
“Sometimes these races struggle to stack up with form, you’re probably beating the same horses multiple times, but all you can do is win and that’s what he’s been doing.”
Fear The Wind gives the Pearce stable a potent force in the Rogan Josh Stakes with Queen Alina pushing her stable mate for favouritism.
Fear The Wind is currently $2.20 with Tabtouch, firming from $2.35. Queen Alina, 4th in the Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m), is next at $2.65.
Pike fears Queen Alina could take some beating.
“She was a little disappointing the other day (Strickland Stakes), but it was a tough race she was in,” Pike said.
“It’s one thing to go from a ratings race to hard-nosed veterans who are not easy to beat.
“She could be a problem.”
Fear The Wind has drawn barrier eight in the Rogan Josh Stakes and Queen Alina, to be ridden by Chris Parnham, will jump from barrier nine.
“He jumps so fast and I’d like to sit him back,” Pike said.
“If I happen to be outside of the leader and she’s (Queen Alina) three back carting up she’s going to be very hard to hold out.
“One of his (Fear The Wind) best runs has been when I sat him back, but I haven’t been able to do it since because he jumps so fast.
“I would love to get cover, but it could be tricky from the draw.”
Earlier in the day Pike and the Pearce brothers combine with promising three-year-old Triple Jay in the Quayclean Handicap (1400m).
The Street Boss gelding romped home last start at Pinjarra when he led from barrier to post and won by a dominant four lengths.
The brilliant victory led to big offers from Hong Kong buyers, reportedly up to $1 million, but was rejected by his owners.
“He does show good signs, you don’t fluke winning by those margins,” Pike said.
“It’s one thing to do it at Pinjarra but it’s a Saturday against more seasoned horses and a lot better opposition.
“I know there was a lot of money offered for him and there is a spruik about him now, but none of that maters to me.
“I just want to go out and get a win on the board, he definitely warrants a chance.”
