Petrucci kicked off her campaign in stellar fashion at Matamata, her hometown track on Saturday.
The daughter of I Am Invincible returned to racing after an impressive three-year-old season, where she secured victories in two of her four starts and finished as the runner-up in the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) in her last appearance last term.
Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson expressed satisfaction with Petrucci’s first-up performance.
“Vinnie (Colgan, jockey) managed to get her settled well enough, he presented her at the right time and she was really strong through the line,” said Bergerson.
“It was a really impressive victory. We thought she could be a bit vulnerable first-up, but it was a really strong effort.”
Colgan, the jockey, also shared his positive impressions of Petrucci’s 1.75-length victory.
Despite a less-than-ideal draw (12), Colgan noted that things worked out favourably, and Petrucci had a strong run through the line.
“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,” said Colgan.
Petrucci, acquired for A$450,000 by owners Brent, Cherry Taylor, and Faith Taylor of Trelawney Stud from Segenhoe Stud’s 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, has the aim of proving her mettle on the racetrack before potentially retiring to their esteemed broodmare band.
Brent Taylor reflected on Petrucci’s development during the break, stating, “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 stablemate 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 as she had to overcome the draw, and Vinnie rode her very well.”
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