[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Consistent gelding Defending broke through for an overdue win at Ascot on Wednesday when taking out the Glenroy Chaff Handicap (1600m).
Ridden by apprentice Holly Nottle, the Oratorio seven-year-old had produced top-four finishes as his previous four starts which included some luckless efforts.
He jumped a $4.40 chance and appeared set to be another hard luck story when posted wide without cover through the early and middle stages of the race before finding cover approaching the home turn and then finishing powerfully down the centre of the track.
The all-ladies-owned gelding held off the fast-finishing Seindeel ($4.20) to win by a long head, with Noahquintilly ($8.50) a further length away in third place.
Purchased by Pearce Racing for $30,000 at the 2020 Perth Magic MIllions Yearling Sale, Defending has been a great money spinner for connections with his 48 career starts to date returning eight wins, 10 minor placings and $284,595 in stake and Westspeed Platinum bonus earnings.
Meanwhile, Pearce Racing’s only other runner on the day, Eternal Romance, finished a narrow second.
The Pearce stable will saddle up Sponge Cake and Hartfield at Pinjarra Scarpside on Thursday before Saturday’s Ascot meeting where a big team featuring Famous Dain, Outspoken Lad, Influencing, Madame Magic, Noble Connection, Rally The Troops and Vampi Queen are engaged.