[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Pierata gelding Properata returned with a bang at Belmont on Wednesday when taking out the MC Polytrack Maiden (1000m) first up.
Starting the $2.20 favourite with Tash Faithfull aboard, the rising three-year-old jumped from barrier two and settled one-out and one-back with a three-wide line outside of him in running.
The pair had to wait for an opening on straightening but once it appeared, he let down with a sharp finish to reel in race-leader Star Martini ($4.40) passing the 100m mark and then pull away to win by a half-length.
Vienna Calling ($6) finished a further length away in third place.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $230,000 at the 2025 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Properata flashed ability when finishing a close second on debut at Ascot in December and put the writing on the wall for his first win with an impressive Lark Hill trial win on July 20 when winning by three-and-a-half lengths.
His win followed a top day for Faithfull and Pearce Racing at Kalgoorlie on Sunday where they combined for four winners and a second placing from five runners.
Meanwhile, the Pearce stable will saddle up Spinarella, Sponge Cake, Eternal Romance and Miss Defies Me at Bunbury on Thursday in what will be the final provincial meeting of the 2025/26 season.
Stablemates Sinful Living, Sherpa Express, Sensessional, Triple Jay and Outspoken Lad are set to race at Belmont on day one of the 2026/27 season on Saturday.