[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Merchant Navy six-year-old Galaxy Affair landed his 10th career win at Pinjarra on Wednesday when producing a dominant performance in the Essential Air Handicap (1400m).
Ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter, the gelding jumped an $8 chance from barrier eight but was able to land one-out and two-back in running before working into the clear on straightening and he was able to burst through an opening and sprint away from his rivals.
He defeated the fast-finishing Keggs Later ($16) by almost two-and-a-half lengths on the line, with Major Mario ($5.50) a further one-and-a-quarter lengths away in third place.
Known for doing his best work on top of the ground, Wednesday’s victory was the Galaxy Affair’s first on a heavy-8 track and takes his career record to 44 starts for 10 wins, six seconds and $238,093 in stake earnings.
The durable gelding was Merchant Navy’s first winner at stud when saluting as a two-year-old in January 2022 and is now his sire’s first progeny to bring up 10 race victories.
Meanwhile, stablemate Prince ran second earlier on Wednesday’s card.
Call Nick, Hello Veneta, Productive and Outspoken Lad will represent the stable at Bunbury Fibre Sand on Thursday before Saturday’s Belmont meeting where Friar’s Legacy, Scenic George, Under Influence, Manhattan Strip and Ginger Baker are engaged.
CLICK HERE to view the results and replay of Galaxy Affair’s Pinjarra win.