Daniel and Ben Pearce’s good form in the Avon Valley this season continued with a winning double on Wednesday.
The brothers saddled-up three runners at Northam in the form of Superior Smile (first), Nobel Suspect (sixth) and Don’t Fuss (first).
Patronize three-year-old Superior Smile ($2.60) was rewarded for his consistent form when beating Vino Beneteau ($7.40) in the TABTouch Handicap (1600m).
The gelding was perfectly positioned in the one-out, one-back position in running by hoop Joseph Azzopardi and finished strongly to beat his rival by a neck.
The win brings his record to seven starts for two wins and three second-place finishes, with both of his victories coming at his only two races off a seven-day back-up.
Scandal Keeper gelding Don’t Fuss ($5.30) charged home from towards the tail of the field in the Red Robins Hospitality Handicap (1100m) when running down the heavily-supported favourite Pinball Wizard ($1.80) in the shadows of the post.
The four-year-old reeled off a slick 33.77-second closing 600m sectional to score by a long-neck with Peter Hall aboard.
He has now won twice from only three starts and looks to have a bright future ahead.
Meanwhile, Alfred Nobel three-year-old Nobel Suspect ($7.60) settled worse than midfield in the Happy Birthday Kevin Holland Maiden (1300m) and failed to make up enough ground to trouble the placegetters when finishing sixth, albeit beaten by just two-and-three-quarter lengths.
The Pearce stable have prepared two wins and five minor placings from their past 10 starters and will be hoping to extend their good run at Saturday’s Ascot opening day meeting where they have a handy team engaged.
Two-year-old filly Agent Pippa, a Lark Hill trial winner on Monday, will make her race debut while Time To Hunt, Defiancy and Let’s Twist launch a three-pronged attack in an 1800m Graduation event.
Last season’s Narrogin Cup winner Pushin’ Shapes is also engaged at the Northerly Stakes meeting.