[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Lightly raced four-year-old Ultimate Style made a very promising return to racing at Pinjarra on Thursday when taking out the Stable Affairs Maiden (1300m) first-up from a lengthy spell.
Starting on the fourth line of betting at $7.50, the Nicconi gelding was having his first race start for almost nine months when positioned outside of the lead by rider Alan Kennedy before appearing under pressure midway down the straight but kicking back strongly over the final stages.
Race-favourite Field Of Battle ($3.40) and Land Of Fire ($4) headed Ultimate Style by a half-length passing the 100m mark but he was able to fight back and regain the lead in a tough performance.
Land Of Fire finished second by a head, with Field Of Battle a further nose away in third place.
Ultimate Style has taken time to mature and develop but has now had seven race starts for a win and three minor placings, while the Pearce stable predict further improvement as he continues to step up in distance.
Meanwhile, the Pearce stable will saddle-up Roch Legacy, Sofia’s Symphony and Grece Lightning at Albany on Friday before turning its attention to Saturday’s Ascot meeting where stablemates Platinum Shot, Westriver Miracle and Fear The Wind are engaged.