[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
New Zealand-bred filly Spirit Of Luna made a perfect start to her racing career at Northam on Thursday when taking out the Triple M Northam Maiden (1300m) first up.
The Tivaci three-year-old was sent out a $10 chance off the back of two modest 950m trials but relished the extra distance and finished powerfully from her one-out and one-back position under jockey Tash Faithfull.
The big bay initially appeared under pressure when she straightened for home but she responded to Faithfull’s urgings and dropped another gear over the final 150m to reel in Star Prophet ($4.20) and gap the rest of the field.
She won by a neck on the line, with Ginger And Tonic ($9) a further three-and-a-half lengths away in third place.
Purchased for $50,000 by Pearce Racing for long-time stable client Trevor McKee at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale, Spirit Of Luna looks likely to be best suited over a staying distance in the future.
Meanwhile, fellow Pearce-trained gallopers Kidding Me and Market Player each finished fourth in their respective races on the day.
The stable will be represented by a big team of eight runners at Ascot on Saturday, highlighted by Let’s Galahvant in the $300,000 Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m).