[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Outspoken Lad landed the second win of his campaign at Ascot on Monday when justifying his favouritism in the Liberties Insurance Handicap (1600m).
Starting the $2.50 elect, the Awesome Rock six-year-old didn’t begin as well as expected but apprentice rider Zephen Johnston-Porter didn’t panic and ended up settling him in the one-out and one-back position.
The gelding was then peeled out and around heels turning for home before finishing off powerfully to hit the lead and bound away from his rivals to score by a length passing the line.
Special View ($7.50) finished in second place, with Abbou ($51) a further half length away in third.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $60,000 at the 2020 Gold Coast Magic Millions sale, Outspoken Lad has now had 29 career starts for five wins, nine minor placings and $279,449 in total earnings including Westspeed Platinum bonuses.
The Pearce stable will step out 11 horses at Tuesday’s trial meeting at Belmont before saddling up Soso Lucky and Desert Edge to race at Ascot on Wednesday.