Cup Day Double - A Perfect Scenario Indeed

Perfect Scenario (6 g Iffraaj – Rosetti Bay, by Pins) provided just that when winning the $75,000 Wuhan Jockey Club Open Handicap 1400 metres on New Zealand Cup Day at Riccarton.

Quickening under a hand ride to win well at the trials on 7 October at Matamata, the White Robe Lodge (Gr. 3, 1600m) winner from last season was weighted accordingly (60kg) in capacity field, however he is known to race well fresh but he just required a touch of luck from the tricky barrier 10. 

Apprentice jockey Lily Sutherland, having her first ride for the stable, gauged it beautifully from the outset, slotting Perfect Scenario into midfield, tracking clear around the home turn and, despite a heavy impost and easterly head wind, they were able to get the spoils with a terrific performance. 

“I’d been on the inside earlier and it wasn’t the place to be, so we were actually quite lucky to draw out wide,” Sutherland said.

“He just needed the (2kg) claim probably, but still had to carry a bit of weight. He was really enjoying himself out there.”

On footing upgraded to Good4, Perfect Scenario ran 1400 metres in 1:23.4 and drifted considerably in betting to pay $14.00 & $3.40 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It was lovely ride by Lily, getting cover and she presented him at the right time,” said co-trainer Mark Walker.

“It looked as though the horse to his outside was going to get him, but he kicked back really strongly and we’re all really proud of his effort - he's such a gem. 

“We just love these older horses. Everyone in the stable has something to do with him and to be racing and winning as well as he is, it’s testament to the ability of the horse and all those that have worked with him through the seasons.”

Perfect Scenario was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $165,000 at 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Woburn Farm, for owners in the Te Akau Perfection Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

By high-quality stallion Iffraaj (Zafonic), dam Rosetti Bay (Pins) was an impressive Group Three winner and multiple group placed mare that won eight races and already left very good stakes' winning mare Queen's Rose (O’Reilly) who also won eight times. 

Rosetti Bay was a really good race mare, with class and quality and, similarly, she too displayed a great turn of foot. Perfect Scenario has been sparingly raced to win seven times, continues to produce career best form and has stakes honours again in his sights. 

“He’s proved to be such a good horse and ia a great horse for the owners to be involved in,” Ellis said.

“Given the way he’s won first up, and as a Group Three winner and fourth in a Group One, another top race win could come his way.

“He was bred by Liz Pollard and Gloria Graydon and they’re a couple of really good breeders from Te Awamutu, and Liz’s father, Joe Pollard, was also a good breeder. That family has constantly bred good horses for the last 50 years.”

Accepting on behalf of the owners, syndicate manager Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM said: “Thank you to Wuhan Jockey Club for what has been a longstanding (18 years) and important international relationship between the two clubs and we’re privileged to win this race.

“Lily (Sutherland) rode the horse like a dream and it’s another great effort by Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) to have this very good horse ready to win first up.”

Perfect Scenario was strapped by Hannah Lowry. 

Pho9to credit - Ajay Berry - www.raceimages.co.nz