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Stellar win by Artois in feature

Two-year-old Isaiah Artois claimed the first leg of a feature event double when he produced an impressive performance to win last night's Group 1 $100,000 Pearl Classic Final (2130m) at Gloucester Park.

The race was marred when $1.50 favourite The Odd Lover's right sulky wheel sustained a flat tyre at the 1600m and its tube wrapped around the axle

The Odd Lover dropped out and finished near the tail of the field.

Trainer David Thompson will aim Isaiah Artois, who has now won four of his six starts, at next month's $125,000 Golden Slipper Pace (2130m) before considering a WA Derby campaign.

Driven by Colin Brown, Isaiah Artois ($8.50) scored by 3m from Artillery Major ($6.50), with Kasey Kahne ($16.20) a further 2.5m back in third place.

"All credit to David Thompson for the way he overcame the youngster's waywardness," Brown said.

"Isaiah was pacing greenly and did not seem a major race prospect until recent weeks."

Thompson landed the first of two upsets last night when David Hercules toppled Im Themightyquinn in the KA Cleans and Flushes Pace (2130m).

Im Themightyquinn, who raced in fourth position, couldn't quicken when David Hercules sprinted 12m clear at the 300m.

"Quinnie probably should have been driven closer to the lead," trainer Gary Hall said.

"He's pulled up well and we'll go ahead with plans to race him in Queensland next month."