[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Epaulette three-year-old Decoration followed up his slashing second placing on debut with a smart win in the Avon Valley Contractors Maiden (1300m) at Northam on Sunday.
Ridden by William Pike, the Oakland Park-bred gelding rocketed home from last over 1000m first up on September 18 and relished the extra 300m when opening his winning account in promising fashion.
Pike positioned the $2.70 favourite leaders-back from barrier one and he looked as though he may not arrive in time when race-leader Miss Rockjoy ($3.60) gave a nice kick on straightening, however, he knuckled down strongly over the final stages to reel her in and score by a length with his ears pricked on the line.
Rig A Dig ($41) finished a further two lengths away in third place.
Decoration has now recorded a win and a second placing from his two race starts and appears to have a bright future ahead.
Meanwhile, the Pearce stable have a strong 10-horse team engaged at Wednesday’s Kalgoorlie meeting, highlighted by Let’s Galahvant who will be vying for back-to-back Hannans Handicaps when ridden by Pike in the $150,000 Listed feature.