[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Durable five-year-old Zing To Win brought up his second win in a line at Geraldton on Melbourne Cup day when taking out the Bottlemart Tarcoola Handicap (1120m).
Starting the $3.70 favourite in his first start back in Pearce Racing’s care after a lengthy Kalgoorlie campaign, the Shooting To Win five-year-old jumped from barrier four and settled three pairs back on the fence with in-form hoop Austin Galati aboard.
The duo were briefly held up for clear running on straightening, however, Galati was soon able to find a passage and the striking bay burst through a gap to collar second-favourite On The Mark ($3.90) 100m from home before pulling away to win by half a length on the line.
Prince Ragnar ($10) finished a further length away in third place after leading up the field.
Zing To Win won at the same track and distance for the Pearce stable in April this year when at the start of a massive race preparation which has now resulted in 17 starts.
The gelding has had 36 career starts to date for nine wins, six minor placings and $191,233 in total earnings and is now scheduled to contest the $125,000 Batavia Sprint (1200m) at Geraldton on Sunday November 16.
Meanwhile, stable star Talkanco finished a narrow second to Playin’it Sweet in the featured Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Tuesday.
The Pearces’ only other runner on the day, Kidding Me, also ran second in her respective race at Geraldton.