[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Daniel and Ben Pearce had a successful day at Geraldton on Sunday, with the stable’s six runners producing two winners and four placegetters.
Paint My Portrait ($6) kicked off his campaign in promising style when rocketing home from towards the rear of his 13-horse field to score a first-up win in the King Of The Road Maiden (1200m).
Ridden by apprentice Luke Campbell, the lightly-raced Awesome Rock four-year-old was having only his third lifetime start following two unplaced efforts at his last campaign but made up considerable ground after settling four-back on the rail.
The gelding ran easily the fastest closing sectionals of the race to claim race-favourite American Agent ($2.35) by a head on the line, with fellow Pearce-trained galloper Run Teddy Run a further one-and-a-half lengths away in third place.
Stablemate Galaxy Affair ($1.75) justified his short-priced favouritism later in the day when taking out the M&B Trade Centre Geraldton Handicap (1400m) in tough fashion.
The Merchant Navy three-year-old was posted three-wide and without cover throughout running but apprentice Taj Dyson kept his cool before levelling up to the leading brigade turning for home.
The gelding’s class ultimately prevailed when pulling away to defeat Uni Queen ($10) by just under a length, with Dark Peak ($5.50) a further long-neck away in third place.
Galaxy Affair has now recorded three wins and two second placings from his 11 career starts, accumulating stake earnings of $85,056.
Meanwhile, stablemates Chiclett, Charcoal Chaos and Risky Lyrics each finished second in their respective races on the program.
The Pearce yard have prepared 33 winners so far in the 2022/23 season, placing them five wins clear at the top of the state leaderboard.
CLICK HERE to watch the replay of Paint My Portrait’s Geraldton win.
CLICK HERE to watch the replay of Galaxy Affair’s Geraldton win.