Six Win Boxing Day - Petrucci Peach Perfect

From last to first, Petrucci (4 m I Am Invincible – Via Napoli, by Fastnet Rock) won the $80,000 Majestic Horse Floats Rating 75 1200 metres on Boxing Day at Pukekohe. 

Winning in fine style when resuming in October at Matamata, Petrucci produced a notable fourth in the Open Handicap 1200 metres, two starts ago at Pukekohe, and most recently finished strongly for a close fifth to stable-mate Freeze Frame (Vadamos) in the Rating 75 1100 metres on 2 December at Te Rapa. 

Drawn the outside gate (9), and having won the previous race from back in the field aboard stable-mate Cool ‘N’ Fast (Savabeel), stable rider Opie Bosson was content to bide his time at the rear. Tracking into the clear 300m out, Petrucci had the job in front of her, but once balanced up, she produced the type of big finish she has become known for. 

On Soft7 footing, Petrucci ran 1200 metres in a polished 1:10.3, last 600m in 33.2 (approx.), and paid $5.90 & $1.90 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“She was aided by a fantastic ride, probably the way to ride her, she was a bit handier than in the last couple of races and she just relaxed beautifully,” said co-trainer Sam Bergerson. “Opie threaded his way through and she was dominant at the end.”

Owned by Brent & Cherry Taylor and Faith Taylor (Trelawney Stud), Petrucci was purchased for $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 Trelawney's high-quality broodmare band. 

“All going well she can head to the Concorde Handicap (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Karaka Millions' night at Ellerslie,” Bergerson added.

“The Taylor family is a massive supporter of our stable and it’s good to train horses for them. Obviously they’ve got a beautiful breed and they’re a pleasure to train for. We’re very lucky.”

Speaking on behalf of the owners, Brent Taylor said: “Thank you to the sponsor, Majestic, who are such a massive part of the racing industry, around both Islands, and a fantastic service that I can remember since I was kid.

“Thank you very much to the Te Akau team, it was a great win and we’re really pleased to see this mare back to the form we know she’s capable of. 

“She started off her campaign with a win and hopefully she can continue. Opie rode her an absolute treat, to Mark’s instructions, and being ridden cold obviously worked.”

After winning four of her eight starts, Petrucci will now prepare for the $225,000 Brighthill Yearlings Concorde Handicap (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Saturday 27 January at Ellerslie. 

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).

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). 

Petrucci was strapped by Muralla Mallesh.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz