Six Win Taupo - Win 4 Perfect Scenario Impressive

Returning well over the odds, Perfect Scenario (5 g Iffraaj - Rosetti Bay, by Pins) was a big winner in the $14,000 Noverre @ Waikato Stud Rating 75 1300 metres on 24 August at Taupo.

Placed in the Waikato Guineas and fifth in both the Karaka Million 3YO Classic and NZ Derby as a three-year-old, Perfect Scenario had scored by a wide margin in the Rating 74 1550 metres on 11 February at Awapuni, and ended his campaign finishing fifth to stable-mate Prise De Fer (Savabeel) in the Open 1500 metres on 5 March at Ellerslie.

He finished very well for second in a trial on 4 August at Te Rapa, and courtesy of apprentice Tayla Mitchell, having her first ride in the tangerine colours, Perfect Scenario was greatly assisted by a four-kilo claim but still had to carry 60kg.

Without much cover in midfield, Perfect Scenario improved three wide to third at the 600m and raced clear after gaining the lead mid-straight to score by two and a half lengths.

“I was caught three wide, but he was sitting there nicely,” Mitchell said. “It was just a matter of keeping him on a roll down the hill and he never stopped.”

On Soft6 footing, Perfect Scenario ran 1300 metres in 1:20.9, last 600m in 35.7, and paid a whopping $21.10 & $4.90 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a great effort by Perfect Scenario to win, especially under top weight, and Tayla (Mitchell) is a young rider that is going places,” said trainer Mark Walker.

Presenting the spoils, committee man Gerald Fell complimented Te Akau when saying: “They are leaders in syndication, which is such a great way for people to race horses these days.

“The way they keep their owners informed and look after them is outstanding and it's fantastic that Karyn (Fenton-Ellis MNZM) is here to oversee everything.

“Also, it's great to see such a seamless transition with Mark (Walker) coming back to train, and a credit to their professionalism.”

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 winner Queens Rose (O'Reilly) who also won eight times.

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

Rosetti Bay was a really good race mare, with class and quality and, similarly, she too displayed a great turn of foot on ground with the sting just out of it. Perfect Scenario has been sparingly raced to win four times and gives indication of achieving greater feats.

It was also fitting to win the race sponsored by Waikato Stud freshman sire Noverre (Savabeel), who was bought as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM and recorded an impressive victory in the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m).

“Thank you to Mark and Pippa (Chittick) for the extraordinary support they give to not only the Taupo Racing Club but to the whole racing industry,” Fenton-Ellis said.

“Waikato Stud is notable as a trailblazer and it's fantastic to win Noverre's race which is very special to us at Te Akau.

“Also, the Taupo Racing Club is a key player in getting racing underway every season. It assists in allowing us to gallop horses, and nothing gives us more pride than coming here and winning races.

“Perfect Scenario is a horse that has always shown plenty of ability, been patiently handled, and looks to be getting better with age.

“It's a superb start again for Mark Walker. Five time Champion Trainer in New Zealand, four times in Singapore, and it's great to have him home.”

Perfect Scenario was strapped by Tanweer Alam.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz (race); Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM (jockey)