Classy Pike leads the way

Champion Perth jockey William Pike was the star of another day of close racing at the Bunbury Turf Club on Thursday.

The decorated hoop saluted twice and also secured a pair of seconds on a day where no race was decided by more than one length.

Pike opened his account in the $12,500 Troy Blechynden Maiden (1200m) when he guided the Ross and Clint Price gelding Mississippian ($2.80 favourite) to her breakthrough victory over The High Road ($13) and Dangerous Game ($31).

He backed up that performance two rides later when second by a nose to the fast-finishing Our Mate Al ($5.50) aboard Musark ($4.80) in the $12,500 Peter Buchanan Maiden (1200m).

Tilly’s Touch ($6.50) carried Pike to his second win in the following race, turning seventh but charging home to beat Recipe for Cash ($15) by a nose in the $12,500 Viv Henderson Maiden (1690m).

Third-placed Don’t Beadil also impressed for trainers Peter and Matt Giadresco when fighting back from ninth at the turn to run on strongly along the outside and finish a head behind the leaders.

Pike was forced to settle for fifth aboard Diversicolor in the $17,500 Janice House Hanicap (1200m) feature race, Ryan Hill instead snatching the victory aboard Classical Prince ($2.50 favourite) by a nose from Bruce Watkins’ gelding Strictly Boardroom ($5.50).

The $17,500 Ron Patchett Handicap (1410m) saw a disappointing run from heavy pre-race favourite Miss Chloetamash ($1.85) who never challenged to finish seventh behind Thurstun Lane ($6.50) and Henny Shaker ($16).

Mark Bairstow had his only win of the day courtesy of $15 outsider Amarna in the $15,000 David Dunnet Handicap (2019m).

Jumping from barrier nine, jockey Natasha Faithfull worked Amarna into fifth at the turn before winning a sprint to the line by half a head from Petite Mon ($7.50) and Champs Elysees ($13).

Pike completed his day with another second in the final race of the meet, unable to hold off Miss Walpole ($5.50) in the $15,000 Mark Bayliss Handicap (1100m).

Riding $2.45 favourite Clobberetta Pike appeared in a strong position when third at the turn but was overhauled by Glenn Smith for his second win of the day, this time aboard Miss Walpole.

The next race meeting at Bunbury Turf Club is Sunday 23 November.

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