[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Rommel gelding Noble Connection caused a minor upset at Pinjarra on Wednesday when taking out the Swan Draught Handicap (1400m) first up from a spell.
Starting a $15 chance off the back of two moderate lead up trials, the rising four-year-old improved sharply over the more suitable seven furlongs to finish powerfully from back in the field.
Jockey Clint Johnston-Porter settled the big bay second-last in the 11-horse field before making his move around horses into the clear turning for home and then finishing brilliantly to gobble up rivals and win by one-and-a-quarter lengths on the line.
Let Sparks Fly ($151) ran second, with race-favourite Setagaya ($3.80) a further nose away in third place.
Noble Connection has been a slow maturing type who has continued to improve over into his three-year-old season and he appears to have the right attributes to get over more ground in the future.
The Ridgeport Thoroughbreds-bred gelding has now had seven career starts for two wins, two second placings and $73,986 in total earnings.
His victory was Pearce Racing’s 75th win for the 2024/25 season which is the second highest overall tally in the state and the third year in a row that the stable has achieved the milestone.
A big team featuring Sherpa Express, Malolo, Famous Dain, Under Influence, Exceltrain, Decoration and Galaxy Affair will represent the stable at Saturday’s Bunbury meeting.