[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Blue Point gelding Rally The Troops produced an emphatic performance at Belmont Park on Wednesday when taking out the Amelia Park National Apprentice Racing Series Heat 6 (1400m) in style.
Ridden by star apprentice Holly Nottle, the four-year-old started a well-supported $2.70 favourite and came with a barnstorming finish to bolt in by three lengths.
He had only one of his 10 rivals behind him approaching the home turn but was able to work into the clear passing the 250m mark and he let rip down the centre of the track to hit at the 150m mark and continue to pull away over the final stages.
Housewife ($18) finished second, with Playing Games ($7) a further head away in third place.
Rally The Troops was having his 10th start of a highly consistent campaign which has been plagued by bad luck when getting held up for clear running on multiple occasions but he’s still managed to only miss a top-four finish twice during that time.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $50,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Winter Yearling Sale, the striking bay has now had 21 career starts for five wins, five minor placings and $156,775 in total earnings to date.
The Pearce stable will saddle up Famous Dain, Noble Connection, Madame Magic and Zing To Win at Ascot on Saturday, whilst stablemates Outspoken Lad and Decoration will contest the $70,000 Narrogin Cup (1900m) on the same day.