Owner Lib Petagna's racing manager Bruce Perry said in the lead-up to
Saturday's Gr.2 Grant Plumbing Wellington Guineas that the three-year-old only
had to perform up to expectations to book his flight.Saracino certainly did that with the bravest of front-running performances to win for the third time in his career and set up a crack at next month's Gr.2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint at Randwick.
The son of Per Incanto, who was Group One placed in the NRM Sprint three runs back, was headed in the straight by Ferrando before he rallied strongly.
"It was looking a bit hairy for a little while, but he dug deep and fought hard," said Andrew Forsman, who trains Saracino with Murray Baker.
He was ridden by Lisa Allpress, who thought she may have gone out too hard in front.
"He is the sort of horse though that you don't want to interfere with too much and let him do his own thing," she said.
"He's got a big ticker and he fought back really well."
Saracino is now a three-time winner at Group Two level, having earlier claimed the Foxbridge Plate and the Danehill Stakes. He is also Group One placed in the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes and the NRM Sprint.
Top Prospect hit the line strongly for second ahead of Cut Me Loose and Ferrando wilted to fourth after looking a winning chance when he headed Saracino 200 metres from home. – NZ Racing Desk.
