[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Desert Edge and Under Influence landed Pearce Racing a winning double from two starters at Northam on Thursday.
After consecutive second placings, Fiorente three-year-old Desert Edge ($3.40) was able to go one better when leading all of the way and bringing up his first win in the Avon Valley Toyota Maiden (2200m).
The gelding was beaten a nose at his previous start but was able to make every post a winner under in-form hoop Chris Parnham when bouncing straight to the front through the early stages and then booting clear on straightening to score by just under a length on the line.
Late Flyer ($14) finished in second place, with race-favourite Milyeannaup ($2.20) a further length-and-a-half away in third.
A slow-maturing staying type, Desert Edge is typical of the Fiorente breed and looks as though he should continue to improve as he gets older but he’s still been able to record a win, three minor placings and five top-five finishes from seven starts this preparation.
Meanwhile, stablemate Under Influence landed good bets ($11 into $5) later in the day when rocketing home to take out the Nominations Open – WA Spirit of Racing Awards Handicap (1100m).
Parnham brought up the third leg of a winning treble on the day aboard the Caravaggio four-year-old after settling him at the rear of the 10-horse field and peeling him to the extreme outside of the track on straightening.
The gelding responded with a powerful finish to race past his rivals and collar race-favourite Mocha Dream ($3.60) over the concluding stages to win by just under a length.
Race-leader Military Power ($6.50) finished a further length-and-three-quarters away in third place.
Under Influence has now had 14 career starts for three wins and three minor placings.
Pearce Racing will be represented by Bird’s The Word, Climb On Top, Westriver Miracle, Galaxy Affair and Starring Knight at Belmont on Saturday before Sunday’s South West Cup meeting at Bunbury where Let’s Galahvant and Striking Fella are engaged.
The stable has prepared 73 winners so far in the 2023/24 season – the second-highest tally in WA.