[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Manhattan Rain gelding Manhattan Strip landed his fifth career win at Northam on Thursday when taking out the Another Fine Mess Playing 14 Sept Handicap (1400m).
Starting the $3.40 favourite, the newly-turned six-year-old had been luckless at his previous two starts when finishing fourth after making his run on the inferior section of the track at Pinjarra on July 9 before getting held up and not being fully tested in the straight at Belmont Park on July 26.
He jumped from barrier five on Thursday and settled one-out and two-back in running before appearing likely to be held up again when caught behind runners on straightening, however, jockey Clint Johnston-Porter was able to extricate him into the clear and he claimed his rivals passing the 100m mark.
The bay pulled away late to defeat Canny Coni ($31) by just over a half length, with Fortune’s Luck ($8.50) a further head away in third place, to land his second win of his five-start preparation to date.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $100,000 at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions yearling sale, the consistent Manhattan Strip has now had 35 career starts for five wins, 11 minor placings and $176,831 in total earnings.
The Pearce stable will saddle up Outspoken Lad, Noble Connection, Famous Dain, Decoration and Under Influence at Belmont Park on Saturday before Sunday’s Kalgoorlie meeting where Galaxy Affair, Influencing and Platinum Shot are engaged in the Kambalda Cup, as well as Call Nick, So Many Stories and Scenic Boom in support races on the seven-event card.