Perast bursts Royal Symphony bubble

Darryl Sherer - Sunday October 1

Perast and Summer Passage settled first and second in Sunday's Group III Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield and the order only changed once.

Advertisement
Perast proved too strong in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Having raced on the outside of Summer Passage to the home turn, Perast ($11) gradually asserted his superiority for Damian Lane in the home straight to defeat Summer Passage ($17) by a length with Kementari (3.80), third all the way, a head off in third place.

The previously undefeated Royal Symphony started an easing $2.40 favourite and made late ground to finish fourth, beaten 3 1/4-lengths.

The Paul Perry-trained Perast had finished seventh last time out in the Golden Rose at Rosehill and Perry said the son of Snitzel had fitness on his side.

"He's come down here very solid in condition and he's been running in Group One races at home," Perry said.

"He's got plenty of heart and he did well to grind that out."

Perast will run next in the Caulfield Guineas and Perry said the extra distance will suit.

"The mile will suit him much better than today and I even think he can get out over further," Perry said.

"The way he's bred, out of a Zabeel mare, I can only see him improving. He relaxes so well in his races now it all helps."

Tony McEvoy was gracious in defeat with Royal Symphony.

"Disappointed on face value but I think when we dissect the race it was still a very good performance," McEvoy said.

"Nothing took him into the race and he was a long way off them, it was his first time at Caulfield and Dwayne (Dunn) is suggesting adding some winkers just to keep the colt focussed.

"Out to the mile will be better again and when we get over the disappointment of defeat today we'll still see a lot of merit in the performance."

Advertisment
More Reading...
$400,000 Invincible Filly a Grand Investment
A three-quarter sister-in-blood to dual Group I winning mare Charm Stone, stakes-placed I Am Invincible filly Naifah always looked well bought at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $400,000.
One to Watch – Mornington
In Cox Plate week it only seems fitting that the 2013 winner Shamus Award would give us a ‘One to Watch’ at Mornington on Thursday.
One To Watch – Belmont
We look far and wide to highlight Breednet’s ‘One To Watch’ and today’s winner of the first race at Belmont, 3yo D’Argento filly Ladies Pro, won in the manner of a horse with a nice future and in the process shone a spotlight on her sire who recorded his ninth winner so far this month.
2025 G1 Spring Champion – Pedigree Preview
A lot of attention is paid to the sprinting three year-old division and much less so to the stayers, but with $2million in prizemoney the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a full field of 14 and all of them are on trial at the trip.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 23
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Tarzino Stayer Wins G3 Geelong Cup
Trainer Paul Preusker will get another tilt at a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Torranzino ran out a strong winner of the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Thursday.
$140,000 NZB Ready to Run Graduate Books Ticket to G1 Victoria Derby
Bred for stamina being by Melbourne Cup winner Shoicking from a daughter of Tavistock, talented Kiwi bred three-year-old Azazel has booked his passage for the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) on Saturday week after a tough victory in the Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) at Geelong on Thursday.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 MVRC Cox Plate
An emotional week in Australasian racing approaches its crescendo as we count down to the final Cox Plate before a radical new era in its history begins and we mourn the passing of one of its greatest champions.
Bold Showing Tipped for Yes Yes Yes 2YO
Speed Demon will be given every opportunity to live up to his name when he makes his debut at Ellerslie.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 22
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.