Carnival plans for Champion WA 2yo Talkanco are still up in the air following her superb first-up victory in the $100,000 Max Simmonds Stakes (1000m) at Ascot.

Talkanco (3f I’m All The Talk – Calianco by California Dane) sent her earnings through $600,000 with a brilliant turn of foot to overhaul Rostislav (Russian Revolution) and Twisted Steel (Rommel) before holding off the late charge of Luana Miss (Bivouac).

“That was sensational but we’re still unsure whether to set her for the (LR) Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) or the (G2) WA Guineas (1600m),” co-trainer Ben Pearce admitted immediately after she dispatched a classy 3yo field of summer hopefuls on Saturday.

“Her breeding says 1200m but as a 3yo filly she can get a mile.  We will probably make a decision after the (LR) Belgravia Stakes (1200m) in a fortnight.”

Talkanco clocked a quick 57.73 seconds after longshot Kings Court (Time To Reign) carved out swift sectionals and the result surprised jockey Brad Parnham who is undefeated on the G2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) winner.  “I thought the 1000m might have been a bit short and I had to keep niggling her to hold a spot three back on the fence.

“I would have been happy if she ran into a place but at the 500m she began tracking into the race and then once in the clear let down to finish it off.  She’s a relaxed, sensible filly and is on the right path to get out further.”

Managing part-owner Ian Riley, who bred Talkanco at Woodbridge Thoroughbreds in Henley Brook, was also of the opinion the short trip may have been a bit stiff.  “I was very happy with her barrier trial a fortnight ago at Belmont but thought they might be a bit slick for her first-up.”

Riley purchased her dam Calianco for $52,500 at the 2019 Gold Coast Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.  She had won three sprints at Morphettville for Finniss Equine owner-trainer Wayne Francis and has also foaled $225,000 earner Richanco (Rich Enuff) for another Pearce Racing syndicate.

“Calianco foaled a Rich Enuff filly last Saturday and will now go to Capitalist,” Riley revealed.  “Her Marine One yearling colt is at Woodside Park and he’s an outstanding type.  He’s a good size and will race for many of the same family and friends that are in Talkanco.”