Second Stakes Success for Peaceful (NZ)

After closing out her juvenile season with an impressive Listed win, the $260,000 Premier Sale purchase Peaceful (NZ) (Savabeel) has begun her three-year-old campaign on the same note.

Trained by the champion stable of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman for a group that includes prominent owner Lib Petagna’s JML Bloodstock, Peaceful was an easy two-length winner of the $50,000 Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa in June.

The exciting filly resumed against a quality field in the $50,000 Listed O’Learys Fillies’ Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui on Saturday, where she quickened stylishly in the straight and burst to the lead.

She was challenged late by the fast-finishing London Express (NZ) (Shamexpress) and Tutta La Classe (NZ) (Per Incanto), but held firm to win by half a length.

“That was a good win, she’s a pretty promising filly,” Baker told NZ Racing Desk. “We weren’t too sure about her chances today. The wet tracks have played havoc trying to get them ready, so she is only going to improve from the run.

“After that win, I think we might be taking her to Melbourne for some spring targets. She’s by Savabeel and they just walk on water, so we think she can measure up (in Melbourne).”

Peaceful has now had six starts for two wins, three placings and $74,350 in prizemoney for owners G P Clarke, JML Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr: L Petagna) and P W O'Rourke.

The filly was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and was part of Westbury’s draft at the 2017 Premier Sale at Karaka.