Petrucci Picture Perfect

Resuming in fine style, Petrucci (4 m I Am Invincible – Via Napoli, by Fastnet Rock) won the $40,000 Colchester Engineering Rating 75 1200 metres on Saturday at Matamata.

Winning twice from four starts during her three-year-old season, including a smart debut win at Matamata, Petrucci ended the previous campaign running fastest last 600m (34.4) for second in the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) in April, before spelling at the property of owners Trelawney Stud.

After running home fine without being pressured in a trial on 15 September at Taupo, Petrucci was held up commencing due to wet weather, but trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson found the perfect opportunity on her home track.

Given a lovely ride by Vinnie Colgan, Petrucci began well from barrier 12 to slot in beautifully. Eighth and standing the leader six lengths at the 600m, she swept up wide turning for home and let rip in the straight to win easily by one and three-quarter lengths.

“I drew badly, but things panned out quite nicely over the first furlong and a half (250m) and she ended up getting quite a nice run,” Colgan said.

“I wanted to get her rolling and she was running through the line pretty strongly. She showed a bit last season and I think they were expecting a good run today.”

On footing downgraded to Soft6, Petrucci ran 1200 metres in 1:11.5, last 600m in 35, and drifted considerably in betting to pay $6.30 & $2.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

“Vinnie managed to get her settled well enough, he presented her at the right time and she was really strong through the line,” Bergerson said. “It was a really impressive victory.

“We thought she could be a bit vulnerable first-up, but it was a really strong effort.” 

Owned by Brent & Cherry Taylor and Faith Taylor (Trelawney Stud), Petrucci was purchased for A$450,000 at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, from the draft of Segenhoe Stud, with a view to proving herself on the race track before retiring to their high-quality broodmare band. 

“She’s been in work for awhile, but it was a bit hard finding the right race and although she drew wide we decided to run,” said Brent Taylor.

“She matured nicely for the break. We’ve raced a few of these I Am Invincible fillies and mares and not many of them are early maturing two-year-old types. Most of them are progressive mares, like the stable-mate Imperatriz, in Melbourne at the moment, and Vamos Bebe of ours who had her best years at four and five.

“Hopefully this mare will progress along similar lines and as a speed mare can keep finding the right races for her. It may be that we don’t see the best of her until next season, who knows?

“I was pretty impressed with her win today, as she had to overcome the draw, and Vinnie rode her very well.

“I imagine she’ll have a bit of a blow, improve with it in the coat, and she shows signs of a mare that can continue to progress.”

By Australian Champion Sire I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit), currently leading again this season, Petrucci is the first foal from three time winner to 1600 metres Via Napoli, a mare by Champion Sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill).

While grand-dam Celebria (Peintre Celebre) has left multiple stakes winners including Group One winner Gathering (Tale of the Cat). It is also the family of The Oaks Stud stallion Niagara (Encosta de Lago). 

Bergerson suggested Petrucci may now prepare for the $90,000 Legacy Lodge Sprint (Listed, 1200m) on Saturday 11 November at Te Rapa, but a final decision would be made after discussing with connections.

Petrucci was strapped by Mallesh Saddari.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz