[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Progressive Oratorio three-year-old Influencing landed his third-straight win from as many starts this preparation when leading throughout in the Macmahon Handicap (1300m) at Belmont on Wednesday.
The gelding started a $1.60 favourite off the back of two winning performances and was sent straight to the lead by Natasha Faithfull after jumping from barrier one.
Fly With Caution ($4.80) eye-balled him from a long way out but Influencing was able to absorb the pressure and give a good kick on straightening under his 59.5kg topweight to fight back and score by a head on the line.
Fly With Caution hung on for second place, with Run Pattie Run ($3.70) a further length away in third.
The all-ladies-owned Influencing came into his current preparation unplaced from three career starts after a combination of immaturity and poor racing luck saw him unable to show his best in his debut race campaign, however, he’s now won three of his six starts to date.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $60,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions sale, he has now picked up $99,991 in stake earnings and Westspeed Platinum bonuses.
The Pearce stable will saddle-up Pull The Trigger and Exceltrain at Pinjarra Park on Thursday.