[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Awesome Rock gelding Striking Fella continued his progression when bringing up back-to-back wins second-up from a spell at Ascot on Wednesday.
The three-year-old opened his winning account with a stylish return at Pinjarra on April 21 and handled the rise to Class One company without issue on Wednesday when taking out the Ascend Trophies Handicap (1400m).
Ridden by William Pike, the bay jumped a $5 chance before settling in the box seat from barrier two and claiming race-leader Protege ($6) passing the 100m mark.
He pulled away over the late stages to win by just under a length on the line, with Real Senor ($31) a further nose away in third place.
Purchased for $55,000 by Pearce Racing at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions sale, Striking Fella has now accumulated $63,435 in stake earnings and Westspeed Platinum bonuses and is expected to improve as the distances increase after racing up to 2200m last preparation.
The win keeps Pearce Racing in the top five standings in the metropolitan trainers’ premiership, with the stable having prepared the second-most winners in WA overall in the 2023/24 season to date.
Mystery Bullet and Galaxy Affair will race at Geraldton on Friday, with Super Romani the stables’ sole representation at Ascot on Saturday.