Trans-Tasman Treble - Perfectly Perfect

On a super trans-Tasman winning Saturday, the second New Zealand win came from a horse who now has 'elder statesman' credentials - Perfect Scenario 'grows another leg' every time he heads south, and this new season appears no different - he was 'perfectly perfect' ...

Named Champion Miler at the South Island Racing Awards on Friday night, Perfect Scenario (7 g Iffraaj – Rosetti Bay, by Pins) resumed with victory in the $50,000 Pryde’s Easifeed Open Handicap 1200 metres on Saturday at Riccarton. 

When trialling on 3 September at Cambridge (poly-track), Perfect Scenario trailed from barrier one, was held up, switched inner late and ran home solidly for fourth.

A dual Group Three winner over 1600 metres at weight-for-age level, with a good course record, and weight relief to 58kg, Perfect Scenario had acted fresh previously and continues a family trait of appreciating some give in the ground. 

Having her first ride for Te Akau, and relatively new to race riding with five prior wins, Amber Riddell (a4) had Perfect Scenario travelling sweetly to the outside of runners, after drawing barrier 11 of 12. He looked right in the mix when challenging at the 400m and remained strong in the finish to score handsomely.

“I wasn’t in an ideal position and didn’t have cover, but he was travelling so well throughout the whole race,” Riddell said. “It’s such a privilege to ride a really good horse like him.

“Probably about the 400m I thought I had them covered and he just flew home. 

“It’s such a privilege to ride for Te Akau. I’m really grateful and I can’t thank the team enough for giving me the ride. 

“My Nana is here today, which is really special. Christchurch is where my mum is from, so it’s really special to win here.”

Winning by a one length, Perfect Scenario struck ideal Soft7 footing for his fresh-up assignment, ran 1200 metres in 1:10.5, and drifted in betting to pay $13.40 & $3.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was another really good fresh-up win by him today and he’s just an old marvel that loves it when he’s returned from his winter holiday on the good grass at Te Akau Stud, and gets into his work,” said Mark Walker, from Flemington, on the back of saddling Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) to win the $175,000 Cap D’Antibes Stakes (Listed, 1100m).

“He always comes back feeling really well. He trialled nicely up North, and Hunter (Durrant) and the team at Riccarton had him ready to go today.

“Great to see the next generation of riders coming through, with Amber (Riddell) getting the win. Obviously her father Jonathan (Riddell) has been an amazing rider for decades in New Zealand, and great to see his daughter win a race in the tangerine (colours).”

From the course at Riccarton, co-trainer Sam Bergerson said: “I said to Amber there are no real instructions, other than give him a good warm up at the start and that he’s a pretty straightforward sort of horse.

“He’s been very good for the apprentices. He’s very genuine and he’s a pleasure to have around the stables. 

“Hunter and the team have done a great job with him at our stable here. You could see in the birdcage that he was pretty woolly, so there’s plenty of improvement to come.

“Amber kept him balanced and it was a fantastic ride by her. Her father, Jonathan, has had success with Te Akau, and I’m sure he’s thrilled and very proud of her. She looks like a really nice and up and coming jockey.

“I’m also stoked that her grandmother is here, too, and just so proud. It’s a fantastic result.

“He’s raced in a Karaka Million, the Derby, won two White Robes (Gr. 3, 1600m), and he’s just an absolute gentleman.”

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), and his 10 wins have amassed nearly $400,000 in prize money. 

“Her (Amber Riddell) grandparents used to live just down the road from me at Te Akau, and her father, Jonathan, has ridden a Group One in the tangerine, aboard Heroic Valour (Fastnet Rock) in the Sistema Diamond Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) at Ellerslie.

“Dummy Myers rang me a few weeks ago and asked if Amber could come up and work for a month at Te Akau stables in Matamata, and we’re thrilled to give her the chance.

“Jonathan (Riddell) was one of the best riders in New Zealand, in my opinion, so we’re really keen to be involved and support her. 

“She uses the whip particularly well for someone new to the game and claiming four-kilos, it was fantastic to see. 

“It’s great for the owners of Perfect Scenario to see him come back and win so well first-up. He’s always been a bit underrated, but he’s won two Group Three races, finished fourth in a Group One, and it’s not easy to win 10 races.”

By incredibly influential international 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 Queens Rose (O’Reilly) who also won eight times. 

Perfect Scenario was strapped by Talib Hussain. 

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