The last of the day at Ascot produced a stirring victory for Gingin trainer Norm Pascoe with Steel Spur ($8.50) overcoming a horrible draw to take out the Australian Chinese Times BM60+ 1800m.
Commencing from barrier 14, senior jockey Peter Knuckey was forced to track three wide for the majority of the race before rounding up early leaders Field Of Vision ($26.00) and Wayside ($12.00) as they swung for home to power to the line for a smart three-quarter length win.
Race favourite Power Punch ($2.80 fav) had no luck in the straight – seeing daylight late to hit the line hard for second, while Jaspara ($18.00) also came from the clouds to capture third – a further quarter-length adrift.
It has been a brave campaign this time in for the Flying Spur 5yo, who has had no luck with the barrier draws but still managed to produce a win, a second, and a brave fourth in its last few outings before today’s victory.
Earlier on the card, debutant Pushin’ Shapes ($9.10) for Dan Pearce came from fifth on the rail to blouse its more experienced opponents by 1 ¾ lengths in the Westminster Equipment Plate 2YO’s 1000m.
Pearce applauded the ride from Alan Kennedy saying “the ride from Alan to get him off the fence and into the clear – he obviously had a bit of horse under him and he got him out and rolling…”
Asked of the 2yo’s future prospects Pearce diplomatically replied “it’s a good time of the year to have a 2yo going well…there is a bit to look forward to”.
Promising signs ahead for Pushin’ Shapes and Pearce, as the local 2yo feature races fast approach.
