Perfumist makes her mark in NZB Tibbie Stakes

New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduate Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) made an emphatic return to racing at Newcastle on Friday, powering clear to claim the Gr.3 NZB Tibbie Stakes (1400m).

The Bjorn Baker-trained daughter of El Roca had shown she was ready to fire with a series of strong gallops leading into her resumption and delivered on that promise with a dominant 2.6-length victory under Rachel King.

King gave Perfumist an economical run in fifth before angling into the clear approaching the 300m. The five-year-old quickly put the result beyond doubt, accelerating clear of her rivals to record the first stakes victory of her career.

Stable representative Luke Hilton said Baker had changed Perfumist's preparation after the mare had previously struggled to produce her best when resuming.

 “It’s fantastic, Bjorn has done an amazing job. She hasn't had the best first-up record, and he did things differently this time leading in and gave her an exhibition gallop and a couple of good gallops at home, and it paid off,” Hilton said.

“She really set the track alight at the Kenso last week, and it was hard to believe the time she ran, so we always knew she was going well.”

Perfumist had already demonstrated stakes-class ability, finishing third in last year's Gr.3 Angst Stakes (1600m) at Randwick behind subsequent Group One winner Idle Flyer (Dundeel), but Friday's victory provided an important breakthrough.

“She's got a lovely pedigree. She is really on target now to go back to the Angst and then off to a Big Dance later in the year,” Hilton said.

The Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 3 is also an option for Perfumist, who has been allocated just 50kg for the A$1.5 million feature.

The A$2 million Big Dance (1600m) will be run at Randwick on November 3.

Friday's victory improved Perfumist's record to eight wins from 21 starts and took her career earnings to A$854,158.

Raced by OTI Racing and partners, Perfumist was purchased for $190,000 from Westbury Stud's draft at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale by Bjorn Baker Racing, OTI Racing, Phill Cataldo Bloodstock and Clarke Bloodstock.

Bred by Gerry Harvey, Perfumist is the first foal out of Tapputi (NZ), an unraced daughter of Swiss Ace from the family of Gr.1 Golden Slipper (1200m) winner Polar Success (Success Express).

Perfumist is bred on the El Roca-Swiss Ace cross that has also produced Group Two winner Swiss Prince (NZ) (El Roca) and became the 15th individual stakes winner for Westbury Stud-based sire El Roca.

There is also a timely connection to this year's New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, with Westbury Stud offering a full-brother to Perfumist as Lot 66.

The 2026 Ready to Run Sale will be held at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11am (NZT) on November 18 and 19, with the Breeze Ups to take place on the Te Rapa Racecourse ton October 12 and 13.