[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Talented three-year-old Rock Fest remained undefeated after two starts when taking out the MCA Polytrack Plate (1400m) at Belmont on Saturday.
Backed into prohibitively-short odds of $1.24 prior to the jump, the Awesome Rock gelding was settled outside the leader by jockey Clint Johnston-Porter before hitting the front passing the 250m mark.
He was made to earn it over the final furlong but eventually broke clear from his rivals and pulled away late to defeat Artistry In Motion ($5) by a length-and-a-quarter on the line.
Champagne Crusader ($8.50) finished a further half-length away in third place.
Rock Fest made an ultra-impressive debut when winning over 1200m at Belmont by almost six lengths 10 days earlier and looks a progressive type with an exciting future.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $55,000 at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, the gelding has now raced twice for two wins and has accumulated $122,970 in stake earnings and bonuses.
The Pearce stable will saddle-up Ginger Baker and Decoration in Sunday’s $100,000 Coolgardie Cup at Kalgoorlie, as well as Influencing, Defending and Climb On Top in the Coolgardie Sprint (1300m) on the eight-event card.