[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Grey gelding Under Influence scored a brilliant last-to-first victory at Belmont on Saturday when taking out the Reliable Asset Maintenance Handicap (1000m).
After winning at the same track, grade and distance off a seven-day turnaround two starts prior, it was a case of deja vu for the Caravaggio five-year-old when backing up off the quick spin after finishing fifth the previous Saturday and landing the third win of his preparation.
Starting a $4.40 chance with William Pike aboard, the noted backmarker settled at the rear of the seven-horse field and appeared to be under heavy pressure on straightening before clicking through his gears and finishing powerfully to eventually get up in the final stride.
He defeated Capital Flight ($19) by a head, with Paddy’s Flyin’ ($21) a further nose away in third place.
Under Influence has enjoyed a breakout campaign with his eight starts this time in netting three wins, two seconds, a third and eight top-five finishes.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $15,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale, the gelding has now had 20 career starts for five wins, seven minor placings and $173,714 in stake earnings.
The Pearce stable prepared seven winners in the first month of the 2024/25 season.