THREE FROM EIGHT FOR PETRACHOR

Returning to the scene of her debut victory, Petrachor (5 m Redwood – Mother, by Red Ransom) snatched a last stride victory in the $10,000 Stockco Rating 65 1300 metres on 9 December at Hastings.

Noted for toughness when winning her first two starts last season, Petrachor had struggled to re-enact in three starts this time in. But, the addition of blinkers and combining with Lisa Allpress enabled the richly coloured mare to record her third victory from eight starts.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard had said prior that the work of Petrachor had improved dramatically when galloping in a hood and the end result certainly backed it up.

Although rearward from the hop, it was a no panic ride by Allpress who approached the 600m third last and seven lengths from the pacemaker. She was able to quicken into a challenging position at the 300m and kept on coming to grab On Show (Showcasing) at the line.

In the royal blue and white colours of Gerry Harvey, Petrachor ran the 1300 metres in 1:18.1 on perfect Dead4 footing and returned a wholesome $13.70 & $3.30 on the TAB tote.

“It’s good to train another winner for Russell Warwick and Gerry Harvey at Westbury Stud, because they’re such a big component in New Zealand racing, and it seems that both the addition of blinkers and the ride by Lisa (Allpress) have really helped,” Gerard said.

“Being a slightly older mare, I think she’s needed the runs under her belt and a couple of those were pretty soft.

“Her work the other morning was sensational with the blinkers and I think the drop back in class from Saturday grade and the slightly longer distance has helped her too.

“She’s a nice mare to have around and it’s good to see her back in form. She tries really hard and when she’s got a win in sight she’s quite determined.

“Lisa made sure she took the gaps when they presented. She travelled up well to the 600m and it was good to see her finishing off like that once she got clear. She’s got a short little nose and great to see her get it down on the line.”

By Westbury Stud stallion Redwood (High Chaparral), sire of 284 winners including nine at stakes level, from an unraced mare, Petrachor is a half-sister to four-time winner Niobe (Niello) and winner Big Mama (Red Giant). And although no monster, she has good strength and presented looking terrific in the coat.

“She’ll be back up in grade now and I think with the confidence of winning, and blinkers doing the trick, she can match them again in Saturday competition,” Gerard said.

The Gods must have been smiling, as only moments later Mike Moroney trained well bred Lady In The Sky (4 m Savabeel – Include, by Gallant Guru) to record her third win from 10 starts in the $50,000 Rating 64 2400 metres at Sandown.

Petrachor was strapped by Kaku Singh.