[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Four-year-old stablemates Budgerigar and Under Influence landed Pearce Racing a winning double at Geraldton on Wednesday when taking out the Bunbury Apartment Motel Handicap (1413m) and Damien Oliver, A Champion Handicap (1113m) respectively.
Both ridden by apprentice jockey Luke Campbell, Epaulette gelding Budgerigar ($2.15) kicked off proceedings when settling leaders-back and hugging the rail on straightening before bursting through an opening to score in authoritative fashion.
The Oakland Park-bred bay extended nicely over the final furlong to defeat Allaboutthecraic ($9) by a length-and-a-quarter, with Delago Dehero ($12) a further half-length away in third place.
It was the second win of Budgerigar’s preparation and takes his career record to 10 starts for three wins and four minor placings.
The Pearce stable didn’t have to wait long to taste victory again, with Under Influence producing a brilliant last-to-first win 40 minutes later.
Drifting to $2.90 at the jump but still holding favouritism, the son of Caravaggio was typically slow out and found himself a clear last in running but he appreciated the strong tempo set by the leaders and was able to round up his 10 rivals to win by a three-quarter length.
Oristano ($19) finished in second place, with the well-supported Agent Jay ($3.40) a further half-length back in third.
Purchased for $15,000 at the 2021 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling sale, Under Influence has shown a sharp turn-of-foot throughout his career and has now had nine career starts for two wins, three minor placings and top-five finishes at each outing.
Pearce Racing will be represented by Dun With The Blues and Starring Knight at Saturday’s Ascot meeting.