[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Reliable Man mare Eternal Romance had to split the spoils at Belmont Park on Wednesday when dead-heating with Buster Biff in the Western Racepix Handicap (2100m).
Ridden by Lucy Fiore, the four-year-old started on the second line of betting at $3.80 and jumped from the outside barrier in the 10-horse field but was able to slot into the one-out and one-back position.
She tracked Buster Biff ($6.50) throughout running before extricating into the clear on straightening and the duo engaged in a two-horse war over the final furlong then hit the line deadlocked together.
Following a long deliberation, the judge couldn’t split the pair and announced a dead heat, with My De Grece ($26) just over a length further back in third place.
Eternal Romance put the writing on the wall for her breakthrough win with two encouraging performances since stepping up to a staying distance, having finished a long-neck third over 2200m on January 28 before an unlucky third when beaten less than a length after getting tightened for room on February 11.
The Westbury Stud-bred grey has now had 16 career starts to date for two wins, two minor placings and $42,295 in stake earnings.
Meanwhile, Pearce Racing will saddle up Sinful Living, Scenic George, Super Romani and Noble Connection at Ascot on Saturday before Sunday’s Esperance Cup meeting where stablemate reigning Carnarvon Cup winner, Outspoken Lad, will line up in the $100,000 feature event.