Deep Field gelding Dig Deep scored back-to-back wins for the first time in his career at Ascot on Saturday when taking out the inaugural $100,000 Easingwold Stakes (1400m).
Now a four-year-old, the former Group 2 Karrakatta Plate winner has returned to his best this preparation after an indifferent past 18 months when plagued by bad luck in races and a fractured canon bone.
Ridden by William Pike, Dig Deep got out to as much as $4.40 before being plunged into $2.90 moments before Saturday’s feature event and settled fifth in the one-out and one-back position.
With main rival Son Of A God ($2.80) posted three and four-wide in running, Pike waited until Dig Deep was fully balanced on straightening before asking him for an effort and he let down with a brilliant finish to reel in race-leader Lorentinio ($8.50) and score by half-a-length.
Son Of A God finished a gallant third a further head away.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $100,000 at the 2018 Perth Magic Millions yearling sale, Dig Deep has raced 14 times for four wins, four minor placings and $471,035 in stake earnings.
He’s now scheduled to contest the $100,000 Australia Day Trophy (1500m) at Ascot on January 23.
Meanwhile, the Pearce stable have hit form in recent weeks, preparing six winners from its 16 runners over the past 21 days.
[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
CLICK HERE to watch the replay and post-race interview following Dig Deep’s Ascot win.