[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
I’m All The Talk three-year-old Southern Scandal justified his short odds when saluting in the Debortoli Family Winemakers Handicap 1000m) at Northam on Thursday.
Having his first race start since June, the gelding was heavily backed into $1.85 favouritism before the jump and still looked very raw when making hard work of the victory but still being able to get the job done.
Rider Chris Parnham settled the chestnut one-out and one-back in running before he cruised to the lead approaching the 200m mark and raced greenly over the final furlong but holding Cassenite ($17) to the line to win by a half length.
Apache Adios ($8) finished a further half-length away in third place.
Southern Scandal has always flashed ability in his trackwork and trials and the Pearce stable expect him to improve over more ground deeper into his campaign.
Pearce Racing will be represented by a big team featuring Pull The Trigger, Dun With The Blues, Decoration, Zing To Win, Sinful Living and Oly’s Choice at Ascot on Saturday.
The yard has produced 24 winners in the first three months of the 2024/25 season.