Perlino enjoys Warstep Glory
Exciting filly Perlino (NZ) (Super Seth) added significant value to any future breeding career she may have when she strode clear to win the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
The daughter of Super Seth is prepared by Te Akau Racing duo Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson and has been based in their South Island base in the care of assistant trainer Hunter Durrant for the last four of her six starts, where she has crafted an impeccable record of two wins and a third-placed finish in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) at her last run.
Expected to relish a further increase in distance to 2000m, Perlino was sent out the $2.45 Fixed Odds favourite and she duly obliged courtesy of a patient ride by Bruno Queiroz.
Allowed to settle beyond midfield in the early running, Queiroz had Perlino travelling comfortably approaching the home bend but held up in a pocket behind runners and desperately searching for clear air.
Perlino shouldered into space at the 300m and immediately commenced an irresistible finish that carried her clear of her rivals and to a dominant victory by more than a length from Sweetheart who chased bravely and Voguish.
Durrant said he was confident during the running despite the filly being further back than anticipated.
“It was a really cool, calm and collected ride by Bruno as he was probably a few pairs back (during the running) than we expected,” Durrant said. “He got the gap and she was too good.
“They went a bit hard in front, so I wasn’t that worried, and she has been a quality filly going forward.
“The team here have done a great job with her and it is good to get one on the board down here for everyone.”
Durrant was referring to the success by Te Akau Racing at Te Rapa where they had captured three events on the card after just five races, including the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) with Drops Of God.
Perlino was purchased by David Ellis for $120,000 at the Karaka 2024 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Curraghmore.
