[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Nicconi five-year-old Ultimate Style kicked off his summer campaign with a bang at Albany on Thursday when taking out the TABtouch Handicap (1240m) first-up from a spell.
Ridden by Luke Campbell, the gelding was backed into $3.90 second favouritism in the closing minutes before settling leaders-back in running and taking full advantage of the cutaway in the straight to not go around a horse.
He finished strongly to defeat Blue Line ($6) by a half-length, with Lacevinsky ($16) a further two-and-a-half lengths away in third place.
Ultimate Style last raced over 2000m at Belmont in June but was able to sprint well fresh when winning over the six furlongs and has now won from 1240m to 1650m, whilst having also placed up to 2200m.
Thursday’s victory takes his career record to 14 starts for four wins, four minor placings and 12 top-five finishes.
Pearce Racing have a big weekend ahead, with Black Fantasy, Queen Alina, Sinful Living, Climb On Top, Dun With The Blues and Exceltrain racing at Ascot on Saturday, while stablemates King Of France, Play With Desire, All Brave and Budgerigar are engaged at Geraldton on the same day.