[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Manhattan Rain three-year-old Manhattan Strip broke his maiden status at Pinjarra Park on Sunday when taking out the Andrew Ralph Diamond Jewellers Maiden (1400m).
Starting a white-hot $1.60 favourite off the back of consecutive second placings at his first two runs back from a spell, the gelding settled one-out and three-back in running before finishing strongest with the in-form Chris Parnham aboard.
The pair were able to overrun Sassy Skye ($41) to score by a short-neck on the line, with Kisses From Kelly ($4.20) a further neck away in third place.
Manhattan Strip has returned to racing in fine style this preparation and appears to have a bright future ahead.
Meanwhile, the Pearce stable’s only other runner on the program – Budgerigar – finished second in the Alcoa Australia – Here For 60 Years, Here For Local Communities Handicap (1200m).
Stablemates Under Influence, Play With Desire and Ultimate Style are engaged to race at this Wednesday’s Belmont meeting.
CLICK HERE to view the results and replay of Manhattan Strip’s Pinjarra win.