Marasco 西澳復出輕勝,向鐵路錦標進發
West Australian star Marasco signalled the eastern visitors would have something to contend with during the Perth summer carnival with an emphatic win in the Group Two Lee Steere Stakes.
At his first start since his failure in last month's Northerly Stakes carrying 60kg, the six-year-old was back to his best in Saturday's Group Two weight-for-age feature to record his fifth win at 1400 metres.
William Pike did not bustle Marasco ($1.70 fav) who settled last with Megatic($3.50) setting the pace.
Once the field strode down the river side Pike set Marasco alight, sending him forward in a three deep position, before he was pushed four deep when Royal Lott made his run.
Marasco straightened up two lengths off new leader Royal Lott, but once Pike stoked him up, he sprinted quickly putting pay to his rivals running away to score by 1-1/2 lengths from Tarzi.
The win took Marasco's record 13 from 27 starts and boosted his prizemoney to almost $1.4 million.
Megatic was disappointing, dropping out from the home turn to finish last of the seven runners.
Trainer Fred Kersley said the $1 million Group One Railway Stakes (1600m) on November 22 was the likely aim for Marasco.
"That was really pleasing," Kersley told Perth Racing.
"I left it up to William and he delivered the goods.
"I am yet to make a decision as to where we go with him from here, but he hit the line well so a Railway Start is not out of the question."
Several horses are expected to travel from the eastern states for the rich carnival including international sprint star Takeover Target who is set to run in the Group Two Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on November 29.
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