[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Spirit Of Boom three-year-old Exceltrain proved far too classy for rivals at Belmont on Wednesday when overcoming a tough run in transit to take out the All Flags Signs And Banners Handicap (1400m).
Starting the $2.70 favourite after contesting Listed races at her previous two starts, the gelding jumped from the outside barrier in the 14-horse field and was posted three-wide and without cover with a 59.5kg impost throughout running.
Champion jockey William Pike never panicked and nursed the big bay to the 200m mark before asking him for an effort and he responded brilliantly to drop another gear and pull away to score by just under a length on the line.
Emerald Trader ($14) finished in second place, with Success Play ($10) a further neck away in third.
Bred and part-owned by Oakland Park Stud, Exceltrain has now had seven career starts for three wins, a third and $58,738 in total earnings.
The Pearce stable will saddle-up Jive King at Northam on Thursday before Saturday’s Belmont meeting where stablemates Westriver Miracle, Manhattan Strip and Super Romani are engaged.