A BARGAIN buy proved a winning move for Port Macquarie trainer Wayne Wilkes as two-year-old filly Rinn Pierre won on debut at her home track on Friday.
Purchased for just $1500 as a weanling, Rinn Pierre was an impressive winner of the two-year-old Maiden Plate (1106m) at the Port Macquarie Race Club.
Although unfancied in the betting ring, the $13-elect raced up on the pace and finished off impressively to win by a length.
“I knew she had ability, but I wasn’t sure how she would go first-up on a heavy track,” Wilkes said.
“She has pulled up a bit shin sore, so she’ll go for a spell, but she’ll be back as a three-year-old.”
The rain stayed away long enough for the bulk of Friday’s meeting to go ahead.
The nine-race program was abandonded when heavy rain fell following the fifth and sixth races and the final three events were called off.
Port Macquarie trainer Glen Hodge was blessed, winning the last run race with Young Al.
The five-year-old gelding relished the heavy surface to lead all the way in the Class 2 Handicap (1206m).
A big drifter on track, Young Al was virtually unwanted in the betting ring, starting at $9 after opening at $5.50.
The next meeting at Port Macquarie is on Tuesday 16 July.
