First seen at the two-year-old trials back in September, Marc Conners’ chestnut filly Penpel (Written By) produce a quality effort at just her second racetrack appearance, racing clear at Warwick Farm to score by more than three lengths.
With four trials under her belt, Penpel made her debut in early May, finishing second behind the promising, unbeaten Wootton Bassett filly Agarwood over 1000m on her home track.
Stepping up to 1100m in today’s Tab Handicap, the Adam Hyeronimus ridden filly started second elect behind Bjorn Baker’s Swordplay (Shaala) who was making their debut.
With Swordplay taking up the running, Hyeronimus was happy to sit in second, tracking the race favourite throughout.
As Penepl started to make her move entering the home straight, Swordplay appeared to have had enough as Hyeronimus exploded to the lead, racing clear in emphatic fashion to break her maiden by three lengths.
Darting back to the inside to gain clear running late, Resolute Racing’s $3m Inglis Easter purchase Ernaux finished second for Chris Waller just ahead of Baker’s Jarrito, with both the placed performers ones to watch for Champion Sire I Am Invincible.
While yearling price is not always an indicator of ability, Penpel’s $20,000 purchase from Widden Stud’s Book 2 draft at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale looks outstanding value if her win was anything to go by.
“She's a really, really nice filly and we've had a lot of time for her for a long time now, enthused Conners.
“She put the writing on the wall the other day as I thought she went super and I just think with that run under my belt, she was really switched on and just done everything right.”
“For a two-year-old filly, she's got a massive stride on her, and that's the thing we picked up early on with her.”
Set to head to the spelling paddock with targets in the Spring, Adam Hyeronimus was keen to ensure he secured the ride today.
“She raced well first time out and I was very confident that she'd be able to win today and I've been very keen to let the stable know that I wanted to ride her wherever she went because I think she's a horse with a lot of ability,” said a clearly excited Hyeronimus post-race.
“She's a big two-year-old filly but she'll strengthen up a lot more.
“I think the improvement she made from her first start to today was really good, but next preparation she'll be a very nice filly.”
Bred by Riverdene Stud, Penpel is the second winner and final foal from the deceased Redoute’s Choice mare Peltier, herself a half-sister to the stakes placed Sizzlefly (Sizzling), both daughters of the Listed-winning More Than Ready mare Come Fly With Me.
From the family of Group 3 winner Flying Jess (Hinchinbrook), Penpel is the seventh individual two-year-old winner this season for Widden Stud’s Written By who will stand the upcoming season at a fee of $22,000 (inc. GST).
