Truly Loyal bypassed a trip to the Goldfields on Saturday to race at Belmont where he took a rise in grade in his stride winning the Morley Growers Market Hcp (1200m).

The Peters Investments homebred had won a midweek maiden last month and wasn’t overawed stepping up to graduation company off a ten-day turnaround.  A shrewd Willie Pike ride also helped make it a stress-free transition in the cerise and white silks.

Truly Loyal is a 4yo son of Yarradale Stud sire Shooting To Win and has banked over $50,000 in his two wins this prep following a debut fifth to Solar Chant (Earthlight) over 1000m at Ascot in April.

Owner-breeder Bob Peters believes he should get a mile with a pedigree highlighted by G1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) winner Perfect Reflection (More Than Ready).  “We’ve been patient and he’s easy to get along with,” Peters said. "He’s tractable and extended quite well today.  Michael (Grantham) wanted to send him up to Kalgoorlie but I would rather he stay here and race for more money.”

Truly Loyal tracked into the race behind Canny Kev (Safeguard) after keeping main danger Mind Field (Deep Field) pocketed approaching the home turn.  “Luckily, the race panned out to suit him,” Pike explained.  “The pace up front didn’t come off and that helped because I was mindful he can pull.

“He did hit a flat spot turning for home but was strong through the line and there’s more upside to him.”

Truly Loyal’s dam True Image (Teofilo) has also foaled Ascot winner Truly Supreme (Trapeze Artist) and she was subsequently sold to Hunter Valley-based Turangga Farm owner Stuart Ramsey for just $8,000 at the 2023 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale

Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor) has a 60% winning strike-rate with mares by Teofilo (Galileo) including this year's Belmont 2yo winning filly Dixie Doo.  He stands alongside Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) at Yarradale and they are both priced at $5,500 (inc GST) this season.   For all enquiries contact Davy Hanratty on 0429 336 904.

TRULY LOYAL / PHOTO: WESTERN RACEPIX