[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Caravaggio gelding Under Influence was rewarded for his career-best form with his first Saturday victory at Belmont on Saturday when saluting in the National Pump & Energy Handicap (1000m).
Starting a $6 chance with Chris Parnham aboard, the five-year-old settled at the rear of his six-horse field but rocketed home with a brilliant finish to round up his rivals and defeat Songaa ($4.40) by just under a half length.
Race-favourite Made In Mexico ($1.85) finished a further half-length away in third place.
Under Influence was backing up off seven days for the first time in his career after running a fast-finishing second at the same track and distance at his previous start a week prior and has enjoyed a terrific campaign featuring six starts for two wins, two seconds, a third and a fourth.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for only $15,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, the grey has now had 18 career starts for four wins, seven minor placings and $127,554 in stake earnings.
The Pearce stable has hit the ground running in the first 10 days of the 2024/24 season, with four individual winners from its 19 starters.