[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Spirit Of Boom four-year-old Exceltrain caused a boilover in the last race of the day at Ascot on Saturday when taking out the CTM Recruitment Handicap (1400m) and landing Daniel and Ben Pearce their 50th win of the 2023/24 season so far.
Having the seventh start of an ultra-consistent campaign where he hadn’t finished outside the top five placings, the $26 outsider was sent forward by jockey Steve Parnham from barrier 10 to settle outside the leader.
There was a three and four-wide line building outside of the gelding throughout running, however, he was able to get the better of the leader approaching the 200m mark and kicked clear over the final furlong to fend off all challengers and score by a half-length on the line.
Hemlock Stone ($7.50) finished second, with Blazing Tycoon ($61) a further nose away in third place.
Bred by Oakland Park, Exceltrain has had 16 career starts to date for five wins, four minor placings, 16 top-five finishes and $122,710 in stake earnings.
Pearce Racing’s 50 season wins is currently the second-highest tally in WA.
Meanwhile, Manavendra will represent the yard in Sunday’s $125,000 Albany Cup (2100m), with stablemate Galaxy Affair engaged in a support race on the eight-event card.