[PHOTO: Western Racepix]
Ima Wild Girl and Budgerigar landed Pearce Racing a winning double at Thursday’s York meeting when taking out the TABtouch Have You Got The Touch Maiden Handicap (1200m) and Volunteer Keri D’Orsogna Handicap (1200m) respectively.
Both ridden by jockey Clint Johnston-Porter, Performer three-year-old Ima Wild Girl ($3.40) kicked off proceedings when making up considerable ground from a long way back in her field to get up in the final stride.
The filly appeared unlikely to arrive in time once they straightened for home but she finished powerfully to defeat Spread The Rumour ($31) by a long neck, with Rustic Rose ($8) a further long neck away in third place.
Ima Wild Girl displayed potential last preparation when running fast-finishing second placings to city types Paris Calling and Hanchi at Belmont and looks as though she’ll be better suited over more ground in the future.
Meanwhile, Epaulette gelding Budgerigar ($2.10) started his spring campaign in the best way possible when recording a soft victory first-up from a spell.
The four-year-old travelled into the race strongly from the second half of his field before hitting the lead at the 200m mark and pulling away to defeat Madame Pro ($31) by a length.
Lonsdaleite ($4.20) finished a further three-quarter-length away in third place.
Budgerigar has now had seven career starts for two wins, two minor placings and top-five finishes at all seven runs.
The Pearce stable have Let’s Galahvant, Triple Jay, Decoration, Deep Envy and Who Be Whatee engaged at the first Ascot meeting of the season on Saturday.
CLICK HERE to view the results and replay of Ima Wild Girl’s York win.
CLICK HERE to view the results and replay of Budgerigar’s York win.