[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Pearce Racing’s strong recent form continued at Pinjarra Park on Wednesday with the stable preparing a winning double from three starters.
Rally The Troops ($7.50) kicked off the day on a high note when upstaging more fancied rivals with an authoritative victory in the TABtouch Have You Got The Touch Handicap (1400m).
Ridden by Tash Faithfull, the Blue Point three-year-old was racing third-up from a spell and enjoyed the run of the race racing in the clear behind the leaders before hitting the front passing the 200m mark and pulling away.
The gelding scored by almost two-and-a-half lengths over Amarlime ($4.40), with race-favourite Patron Express ($1.50) a further two-and-a-quarter lengths away in third place.
Rally The Troops has now had eight career starts for two wins, a third and $52,895 in total earnings.
Later in the program, stablemate Galaxy Affair scored his ninth career victory when making a top return to racing in the Bridgetown Jigsaw Picture Gallery Handicap (1000m).
Having his first start since November and his first start on the straight course, the Merchant Navy five-year-old was a $12 outsider and drew the less favoured side of the track but was aided by a great ride from apprentice Zephen Johnston-Porter.
He was able to work across to settle in a prominent position in running before attacking the line strongly to defeat Oracle Son ($6) by a length.
Race-favourite Made In Mexico ($3.20) finished a further neck away in third place.
Galaxy Affair has been a great horse for the stable having now had 38 starts for nine wins, six seconds and $214,557 in stake earnings.
Meanwhile, Pearce Racing-trained mare Platinum Shot has opened favourite for Saturday’s featured $100,000 Racing WA Provincial Championship Series Final (1400m) at Belmont.
Stablemates Richanco, Art Session, Famous Dain, Zing To Win, Blue Rocket and Madame Magic are also scheduled to line up in support races on the nine-event card.