[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Blue Point four-year-old Rally The Troops broke through for a deserved victory at Bunbury on Sunday when taking out the Nixon Electrical Handicap (1400m).
The gelding was having his fourth start of his campaign off the back of two runner-up finishes and a pair of luckless runs earlier in his preparation but was able to enjoy a trouble-free passage and duly saluted.
Starting the $3.80 second favourite with Chris Parnham aboard, the bay settled one-out and two-back in transit before working through an opening between runners on straightening and he powered through to hit the front passing the 200m mark.
Hey Pino ($1.70) finished strongly and looked like collaring him inside the final furlong but Rally The Troops was able to find another gear and lifted to fend off the favourite by a long neck on the line.
Universal Hotness ($11) finished a further two-and-a-half lengths away in third place.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $50,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Perth Winter Yearling Sale, Rally The Troops has now had 15 career starts for four wins, three minor placings and $122,175 in stake earnings and bonuses.
The Pearce stable will saddle up Fame in Thursday’s $1 million Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot.