Perfect Scenario (NZ) Heads Group Three Trifecta for NZB Graduates

Saturday’s $100,000 Group Three White Robe Lodge (1600m) at Wingatui was a well-deserved win at stakes level for Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj), who headed a clean sweep of the first three placings for horses bought at New Zealand Bloodstock sales.

Bought by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis for $165,000 from Book 1 of Karaka 2019, Perfect Scenario has now had 24 starts for six wins, eight placings and $188,870 in stakes for the Te Akau Perfection Syndicate. He had previously finished third in the Group Two Waikato Guineas (2000m) and Listed Timaru Stakes (1600m), and was fourth or fifth in another four black-type features.

But it was his day on Saturday, capitalising on a rail-hugging ride from Joe Kamaruddin and bursting clear down the Wingatui straight to win by three and a quarter lengths.

“This is a fantastic result for the horse,” Te Akau’s assistant trainer Sam Bergerson said. “He’s been such an honest performer for us and deserved to get a win like this.

“I also thought it was a sensational ride by Joe. He rode for luck and it paid off for him.

“There was some talk that the inside was off and we should look to go wide. Joe backed himself and when he got the inside run and burst clear it was all over. It is such a memorable win in an iconic race.”

Offered at Karaka by Woburn Farm, Perfect Scenario is out of Rosetti Bay (NZ) (Pins), who herself won eight races including the Group Three Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). She is the dam of six winners from eight foals to race, and Perfect Scenario is the second stakes winner, following on from Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m) winner Queens Rose (NZ) (O’Reilly).

Another of Rosetti Bay’s foals, the two-time winner Diamond Rose (NZ) (Danroad), is the dam of Listed winner Rose ‘N’ Power (NZ) (Power).

The runner-up in Saturday’s White Robe Lodge was Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines), who cost only $8,500 at the 2018 South Island Sale. She has now earned $229,115 from a 29-start, eight-win career.

The third placegetter, Rock Sensation (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop), was bought for $25,000 from the 2018 South Island Sale and has earned $155,500.