Nearly a decade since he commenced his apprenticeship, Jordan Turner will team up with Dom To Shoot in the $500,000 G2 event on Sunday.
“I was in Melbourne for two years and had a couple of injuries around this time of the year,” Turner told The Races WA.
“All up I probably haven’t been able to ride in four of them, so it is my first ride in the cup.
“It’s a little bit surprising because I thought I would have rode in one by now, but I’m happy to be in it and I’m looking forward to it.”
Turner, who rode his first winner on School Rumble at Roebourne in 2014, believes Dom To Shoot is a live chance in the Perth Cup.
His confidence went up a notch after the gelding’s previous run in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) when ridden by William Pike.
Traditionally a strong form race for the Perth Cup, Dom To Shoot ran on powerfully from near last to finish five lengths fourth to Marocchino.
“I think he is a really good chance and you just have to look at his last-start run,” Turner said.
“He ran the quickest 600m sectional in the Ted Van Heemst.
“It’s all going to depend on what sort of run he gets and I’m actually quite happy with the barrier.
“I’ve drawn around the likes of Truly Inspired, Alaskan God and Queen Alina, so I have good horses drawn around me.
“I will ride him how I find him; I’m not going to push him somewhere he doesn’t want to be.
“I’ll just let him jump and go from there.”
Dom To Shoot, trained by Sean and Jake Casey, has won six of 31 races with last years Listed Mornington Guineas (1600m) a career peak.
The son of Shooting To Win also holds placings in the G1 Northerly Stakes (1800m), G2 WA Guineas (1600m) and Listed Old Comrade Stakes (1600m).
The five-year-old has been tested over ground twice when eighth in last year’s A.T.A.Stakes (2200m) and fourth in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m).
Despite not winning beyond a mile Turner doesn’t believe the 2400m of the Perth Cup will be a distance test for Dom To Shoot.
“I’m hoping he can run the trip,” Turner said.
“On his run the other day I don’t see why not.
“I can’t see why he can’t.
“As long as everything goes well he’s a good each way chance.”
Tabtouch has Dom To Shoot at $14, firming from $17 after Tuesday’s barrier draw.
Before scratchings, he has drawn barrier 14.
He carries 53kg in the Perth Cup, a 6kg drop from the Ted Van Heemst Stakes.