Rommel mare Rainline launched a last-to-first finishing sprint to claim the first of four wins for Willie Pike in the TABtouch Hcp (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Rainline was a dozen lengths off front-runner Swanee (I’m All The Talk) along the riverside and was still spotting the leaders a substantial margin in the straight before swooping late to defeat the favourite Gold Maker (Universal Ruler) by a half-head.
The Pearce Racing-trainee broke a 10-start losing run since her only other win as a 2yo filly at Belmont in May 2024. “She has been a bit frustrating but has been looking for 1400m,” stable rep Taylor Fitzgerald said. “She was off the bit last time at York and having the speed on today helped.”
Pike was straight into the frame following a winning treble when Ascot resumed last Saturday. “I spoke to Ben (Pearce) this morning and he gave her a good push. She’s a busybody so I didn’t want her to jump too quick and ruin my plans. She had a lot to do at the top of the straight but really knuckled down to the task.”
Photo / Western Racepix
Rainline (4m Rommel – Sound Of Thunder by I Am Invincible) was bred and sold by Ridgeport Holdings for $62,500 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions and has now banked $162,540 for Dan Pearce’s wife Danelle. That bank has been boosted by Westspeed Platinum bonuses of $61,875.
She is a younger half-sister to 2022 Crystal Slipper Stakes (1000m) debut winner Soaring Solo (Safeguard) who was last seen fading to a 10 length loss when racing for the 38th time at Moora earlier this month.
Their dam Sound Of Thunder had a Rommel colt sell for $35,000 to Neville Parnham at this year’s Perth Magic Millions and she has a yearling colt by Sessions and a filly foal by Rommel. Second-dam Drivel (Redoute’s Choice) is a full-sister to the dam of Levendi (G1 ATC Australian Derby) and third-dam Tully Thunder (Thunder Gulch) won a G1 SAJC Australasian Oaks (2000m).
Ridgeport Farm stands Rommel (Commands) and Ducimus (Snitzel) for $5,500 service fees (inc GST). For bookings or more information, contact Marge Ojapold (0497 478 231), Grant Burns (0410 683 470), Steve Hoare (0409 987 970).
