[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Deep Field four-year-old Manavendra handled his first attempt at 2200m with ease at Ascot on Saturday when scoring a soft win in the Amelia Park Handicap.
Despite being a notable drifter from $5 to $12 prior to the race, the gelding chimed in with a brilliant finish from towards the rear of his 10-horse field to score his first Saturday victory with his ears pricked.
Rider Clint Johnston-Porter eased him down over the final stages but he was still able to defeat Comealilbitcloser ($17) by a length, with almost five lengths back to Kerman Rock ($6.50) in third place.
Bred by Oakland Park and out of former Kalgoorlie Cup-winning mare Shinta Mani, Manavendra put the writing on the wall for his impressive performance with a stylish win at Albany at his previous outing on January 14.
He’s now had 18 career starts for five wins, four minor placings and earnings totaling $177,141 including Westspeed bonuses.
The win was Pearce Racing’s 38th for the 2023/24 season so far – the second-highest stable tally in WA.
Stablemates Hoochie Gucci, Ultimate Style and Exceltrain are engaged to race at Mount Barker on Sunday.