Much-improved sprinter Don’t Fuss continued his outstanding form when scoring a tough win at Belmont on Saturday.
The Scandal Keeper five-year-old, who drifted to $14.40 on tote at start time, was having his eighth run for his preparation when racing three-wide and without cover in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Handicap (1000m) and still proving too strong.
Race leader Captain Stirling ($4.70) fought on well to finish second by just over half-a-length, while fancied commodities Market Ruler ($6.80) and Stageman ($4.40) dead-heated for third a neck away.
The consistent Don’t Fuss has returned two wins, four second placings, one third placing and a fourth from his eight runs this campaign, taking his impressive overall career record to 20 starts for five wins, eight minor placings and $170,895 in stake earnings.
Meanwhile, stablemate Vital Silver ($8.90) lost no admirers when finishing a half-length third in the feature event on the eight-race card, the $150,000 Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m).
The grey gelding finished narrowly behind Group 1-winning duo Galaxy Star ($1.20) and Great Shot ($11.80), with Mizlecki ($46.70) a further length back in fourth.
Planet Five three-year-old Black Comet will be the in-form Pearce stable’s sole runner at today’s Pinjarra meeting.
[PHOTO: Western Racepix]