Trelawney Stud celebrated a trans-Tasman double over the weekend.
First to salute was the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Petrucci who was resuming at Matamata on Saturday in the Colchester Engineering Ltd 1200m.
Last seen on raceday when finishing second in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders' Stakes in April, Petrucci launched her four-year-old season in style with two trial starts under her belt leading into the race.
Given a lovely ride by Vinnie Colgan, Petrucci began well from barrier 12 to slot in beautifully. Eighth and standing the leader six lengths at the 600m, she swept up wide turning for home and let rip in the straight to win easily by one and three-quarter lengths.
“I drew badly, but things panned out quite nicely over the first furlong and a half (250m) and she ended up getting quite a nice run,” Colgan said.
“I wanted to get her rolling and she was running through the line pretty strongly. She showed a bit last season and I think they were expecting a good run today.”
Owned by Brent & Cherry Taylor and Faith Taylor (Trelawney Stud), Petrucci was purchased for A$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.
“She’s been in work for awhile, but it was a bit hard finding the right race and although she drew wide we decided to run,” said Brent Taylor.
“She matured nicely for the break. We’ve raced a few of these I Am Invincible fillies and mares and not many of them are early maturing two-year-old types. Most of them are progressive mares, like the stable-mate Imperatriz, in Melbourne at the moment, and Vamos Bebe of ours who had her best years at four and five.
“Hopefully this mare will progress along similar lines and as a speed mare can keep finding the right races for her. It may be that we don’t see the best of her until next season, who knows?
“I was pretty impressed with her win today, as she had to overcome the draw, and Vinnie rode her very well.
“I imagine she’ll have a bit of a blow, improve with it in the coat, and she shows signs of a mare that can continue to progress.”
On Sunday promising mare Procureable cleared maiden ranks after a comfortable victory over 1500m at Bendigo.
The four-year-old daughter of Savabeel was bred by Trelawney Thoroughbred Ltd and Whakanui Stud Ltd and is raced by the same partnership and sports the colours of Whakanui Stud's Tim and Karen Bodle.
Trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, Procureable finished second on debut in April before returning this season with a third at Sandown over 1300m last month.
Ridden by Billy Egan, Procureable jumped smartly from gate five and was able to take the early lead and take up the rails position. She was joined by Stunna the Runna who attempted to take the lead but was no match for the mare who ran home to win the 1500m test by 0.2L.
