3 Win Wednesday - Petrucci Debut Done Perfectly

Shy of being a certainly beaten, Petrucci (3 f I Am Invincible - Via Napoli, by Fastnet Rock) sprouted wings on debut to win the $14,000 Tokoroa Club Maiden 3YO 1050 metres on South Waikato Race Day (15 March) at Matamata.

Having won stylishly when quickening to advantage mid-straight in a trial on 7 March at Rotorua, Petrucci was well supported on the tote but required some late extraction skills by reigning Champion Jockey Michael McNab in order to deliver.

Utilising barrier two to trail, Petrucci travelled sweetly and had plenty to offer in the straight, but was held up until inside the final 100m when it took giant strides to grab a nose-margin victory. 

“She couldn't get a run, but when she did she was really good,” said McNab, on dismounting.

“She showed a good, sharp, turn of foot, and is a good type of filly with a good attitude.”

On Good4 footing, Petrucci ran 1050 metres in 1:01.5, last 600m in 34.1, and paid $3.40 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

“She's a really nice filly with a good future and that won't be her last win, that's for sure,” said trainer Mark Walker. 

“It was a lovely ride and she would have been unlucky not to win.”

Owned by Brent & Cherry 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 their high-quality broodmare band. 

The win continued the successful association of Trelawney owned horses trained by Te Akau, including Vamos Bebe (I Am Invincible), Vinevale (Flying Spur), Smashing (Pins), and Pisco Sour (I Am Invincible).

“Andrew Williams (bloodstock agent) picked her out for us, and she's a filly the stable has had a fair bit of time for,” said Brent Taylor, in the winner's circle.

“She had a few hiccups along the way, which is why she's a bit late getting to the races.

“I thought she'd trialled particularly well at Rotorua, the stable has held her reasonably high regard and to see her win like that was nice to see.”

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).

While 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). 

“She's by I Am Invincible, out of a top family, so our recipe doesn't vary that much, and Te Akau has two I Am Invincible fillies for us and a Fastnet Rock,” Taylor said. 

“Most of the I Am Invincible stock does better with time. She's shown a good amount of stretch in the finish, after forcing her way through the gap, and hopefully there is more to come.”

Petrucci was strapped by Jess Allen. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz