Saint Encosta has travelled to Perth to tackle the Listed Tattersall's Cup

Saint Encosta is part of the east coast team that’s travelled across to Perth for their Super Saturday of racing, however he’s one that’s received virtually nothing in the way of attention.

He’s not contesting either of the Group 1 races nor even a group event, his task is a Listed assault in the Tattersall’s Cup.

It’s probably a fitting race for a horse that’s a well known name in black type racing without ever making an impact.

Indeed during the middle part of this year he had three runs where he faced a total of 43 rivals and beat a combined total of just six home.

It’s not to say he’s not a capable horse though but you get the feeling the assignments given to him have been perhaps a little out of reach.

That’s kept his overall record at just two wins from 25 starts but he probably deserves more than that.

He gets his chance in the west tomorrow afternoon however it’s still only a stepping stone towards his ultimate goal.

“It’s probably still a little bit short (2100m), he’s really a 2400m horse,” trainer John Thompson said.

“This prep we’re aiming him at the Perth Cup, this is to get the miles into his legs.”

With his vast experience against some of the best stayer sin the country Thompson is hoping the drop in grade is enough to overcome this field.

“He’s probably one of the class horses of the race,” he said.

“He’s in good shape, he hasn’t missed a beat…settled in good, very happy.”

Saint Encosta last ran over 1800m at Flemington on Oaks Day and finished off very well over the last 200m or so.

He’s the type of horse that will need luck though after settling at the tail however there should be plenty of speed around.

“There is good pace in the race but he’s a bit of a bigger, he’s always slow out of the gates,” Thompson said.

“But he races the best that way so we’ll get back.”

Saint Encosta will start from gate 11 in the Tattersall’s Cup and will have the ride of Craig Williams at 53kgs.