Pike times ride to grab win

A perfectly timed run from WA’s leading jockey William Pike allowed Glimmer Girl to claim victory in the this afternoon $17,500 George Preece Memorial Handicap (1100m) at the Bunbury Turf Club .

After coming from the turn in fifth, Pike waited until the last 200m before he cracked the whip and overtook Lord Devoutly and Peter Hall, who led for most of the race.

It was the three-year-old bay filly’s second win from just four starts and was the first run after a three-month spell, with trainers Grant and Alana Williams putting her through just the one trial in Belmont last week.

Stratham-trained Couleur Bizarre finished third in what seemed to be too short of a race for the gelding.

Pike said he was not confident of overtaking Lord Devoutly, but was pleased to get across the line first.

“With drawing the outside barrier I did not have any other options,” he said.

“We got good speed.

“It was just what a good horse like her needs.

“I thought the leader had a good lead and wasn’t sure I could catch them. I was surprised how easily we won in the end.”