[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Rommel four-year-old Noble Connection returned to his best form second-up from a spell at Ascot on Saturday when victorious in the TABtouch Westspeed Platinum Handicap (1600m).
The gelding started a $10 chance off the back of a modest 10th-placed finish at his race return a fortnight prior but relished a drop in grade and increase in distance, as well as a clever ride by Holly Nottle.
Typically a backmarker, he was sent forward by the star apprentice from barrier six and ended up settled outside the lead before hitting the front at the 150m mark and lifting over the final stages to hold off his rivals.
The Spruiker ($4) finished a long head second, with Success Play ($13) a further half-length away in third place.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $170,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Noble Connection is building up a handy record with his 14 career starts to date returning five wins, three seconds and $180,916 in total earnings.
The Pearce stable will saddle up Mahler’s Melody at York on Sunday.