[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Blue Point gelding Rally The Troops landed consecutive wins for the first time in his career following an impressive performance at Northam on Wednesday.
Off the back of a dominant victory at Pinjarra three weeks prior, the three-year-old displayed progressiveness and a will to win when forced to switch lanes and charge home from off the speed to beat a handy field in the Countrywide Insurance Handicap (1400m).
Jockey Tash Faithfull looked destined to be held up for clear running when attempting to take an outside run on straightening before quickly shifting back to the inside section of the track and Rally The Troops ($4.80) finished brilliantly to defeat race-favourite Patron Express ($3.60) by a half length.
Fancy Red ($4.40) finished a further length away in third place.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $50,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Winter Yearling Sale, Rally The Troops was gelded following his last preparation and has now had nine career starts for three wins, a third and $83,075 in total earnings.
Meanwhile, Daniel and Ben Pearce’s other runner on the day, Kermelia, ran third in the Western Racepix Handicap (2200m).
The in-form stable has prepared 14 winners from its past 50 starters and has Black Fantasy, Ginger Baker, Fear The Wind, Art Session and Exceltrain engaged to race at Saturday’s Pinjarra Scarpside meeting.