[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Shamus Award gelding Famous Dain finished powerfully to score second-up from a spell at Ascot on Saturday when taking out the Vale Colin Webster Handicap (1400m).
The race paid tribute to veteran champion trainer, Colin Webster, who was held in the highest of respect by the WA racing fraternity and sadly passed away last Sunday.
Starting the $5 equal favourite with rising star apprentice Holly Nottle aboard, Famous Dain settled one-out and three-back in running and only had two horses behind him when he straightened for home before he ran over the top of his rivals over the final furlong.
Nottle timed her run perfectly to hit the front in the shadows of the post as the five-year-old defeated Dug Another Hole ($6.50) by a head, with Street Band ($7.50) a further head away in third place.
Famous Dain put the writing on the wall for his victory with an encouraging runner-up finish to Silver Eye at his first run back a fortnight earlier and is expected to improve further when he steps up to 1600m and beyond.
Bred and part-owned by Oakland Park, he has now had 24 career starts for six wins, nine minor placings and $248,252 in total earnings.
The Pearce stable will saddle up Eightyseven Lad, Surf Patrol and Platinum Shot at Pinjarra Park on Sunday before Monday’s Australia Day meeting at Bunbury where Deepest Desire, Pariah’s Thanks, Call Nick, Hello Veneta, Vampi Queen and Awarded Glory are engaged.