Daniel and Ben Pearce will be looking to extend their good run at Northam this season with three runners at today’s rain-affected meeting.
The brothers have prepared seven winners and six minor placings from 25 starters since August 17 to make the Avon Valley track a happy hunting ground.
They appear to have strong representation today with handy four-year-old’s Hillbert and Amongstgoodcompany returning from a spell, as well as last-start winner Superior Smile.
Magic Albert gelding Hillbert will resume in the Gannons Facinators Available Online Maiden (1100m) with Jarrad Noske aboard.
The lightly-raced four-year-old will be having only his third career start, however, he’s always displayed above-average ability and produced an eye-catching trial effort when storming home from the tail of the field to finish second to Fork Handles at Lark Hill on September 11.
He’s drawn suitably in barrier four and rates as the horse to beat in his eight-horse field.
Well-bred Encosta De Lago mare Amongstgoodcompany will race first-up in the Hats Handbags And Horses Maiden (1300m) and resumes without a trial.
She’s also entering only her second race preparation and will be better suited over a longer journey but she has matured into a really nice horse and the stable is expecting her to run a bold race on return.
Noske will also partner Amongstgoodcompany and the pair will jump from barrier two in an 11-horse field.
Last-start maiden winner Superior Smile faces a rise in class when he contests a smart field in the Gannons Trophies Handicap (1400m).
The Patronize three-year-old, who started a dominant $1.40 favourite in betting last time out, comes up against talented types Wee Cent and Countess Natasha today.
The gelding will also have to overcome an awkward draw in barrier eight as well as rising 3.5kg to carry the 59kg top-weight, however, he’s a horse with plenty of ability and has each-way claims again.
Joseph Azzopardi retains the mount on Superior Smile.
Pearce Racing have debutant Vital Silver and staying mare Let’s Twist engaged at Saturday’s Belmont meeting.