Stepped up to 1400 metres for this maiden event, the talented son of champion sire Redoute's Choice was challenged
strongly by the Godolphin runner Promotions, but refused to surrender scoring a
half neck victory with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle."It was a tough test for him today, although the bigger track suited him," McEvoy said.
"He galloped strongly to the line and has more improvement to come."
A $1million Magic Millions purchase from the Arrowfield draft for James Moore Racing, Petronius runs for a syndicate that includes Katsumi Yoshida, Arrowfield Stud and others.
"He's got a lot of talent and I've loved him since day one," said Gary Moore.
"From what he showed us today he's pretty special.
"He's got a big heart and I think he'll do the job for me and win a Group I."
Bred by Arrowfield in partnership, Petronius is a full brother to Group II placed Raphael's Cat and Tale of Choice being the fifth winner from US Group II winner Cat by the Tale (USA), a daughter of Tale of the Cat.
Cat by the Tale has a yearling colt by Maurice (Jpn), but no foal this spring having missed last year to Redoute's Choice. Her current two year-old is a Real Impact (Jpn) filly that made $200,000 at Magic Millions this year for Arrowfield when snapped up by Moody Racing.
