Deep Field Star 2YO to Dig Deep

On Saturday, at Belmont Racecourse in Perth, well-named Dig Deep (Deep Field-Lucky Ana, by Lucky Unicorn) will get the chance to live up to his moniker when tackling 2000m for the first time. A former winner of Western Australia’s most prestigious 2YO event, the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot, Dig Deep is facing an imposing line-up over a distance that’s 200m further than he’s ever tried – he was beaten 5-lengths in 2019’s Gr1 Railways Stakes (1800m). Despite that, co-trainer Ben Pearce, who trains with his brother Dan, revealed to rwwa.com.au that the 4YO gelding has been DNA tested, with the results revealing stamina shouldn’t be a problem for him. “I was of the opinion that he could get over more ground and it [the DNA test] came back saying he was basically a stayer.” Pearce pondered Dig Deep’s 2YO form, suggesting, “You wonder if winning the Karrakatta Plate as a 2YO might have been that he popped up at the right time and was too good for them.” With the prospect of a 2400m Perth Cup preparation, Dig Deep faces an acid test in the Gr3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) where his opposition includes The Velvet King (Universal Ruler), Kay Cee (Playing God), Dance Music (War Chant), Leading Girl (Reliable Man) and Naughty By Nature (Trade Fair). At $15, a win by Dig Deep would more than pay for the DNA test.

Dig Deep is rising in distance (pic: rwwa.com.au)