[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Demerit three-year-old Does He Know scored his second win from three starts this preparation when taking out the Avon Valley Toyota FOTF – Sunday 23 Oct Handicap (1100m) at Northam on Sunday.
Ridden by replacement jockey Steve Parnham after Clint Johnston-Porter fell ill, the Oakland Park-bred gelding bounced straight to the top of the eight-horse field and railed well before giving a nice kick on straightening at holding off the fast-finishing Lucky Landing ($9) by a neck.
Vital Gem ($11) finished a further length away in third place.
Does He Know was a first-up winner at the same track and distance on September 1 before dipping out of the barriers and having an unsuitable run at his following start at Belmont.
The speedy bay has now accumulated $60,072 in stake earnings and Westspeed Platinum bonuses from his five career starts to date.
The victory was the 22nd for co-trainers Daniel and Ben Pearce in the 2022/23 season, extending their lead at the top of the state leaderboard by eight wins.
CLICK HERE to watch the replay of Does He Know’s Northam win.