As a reinsman, Chris Petroff has landed his fair share of big race victories.
Trips to the winners enclosure on the big stage include the Ladyship Mile, Winter Cup (Blacks A Fake), Queensland Oaks, Bathurst Gold Tiara, Breeders Classics, Triad Finals, Nursery Pace Finals, Simpson Memorial, Australian Pacing Gold and the Cordina Sprint among many others.
But as a trainer, the feature race cabinet is still quite bare.
That could all change this weekend when Petroff heads to Albion Park with his richly talented rookie colt Maestro Bellini, a major player in the Gr.2 $50,000 QBRED Breeders Classic Final for two-year-old colts and geldings.
Petroff combined with Maestro Bellini earlier this season to win the Gr.3 $30,000 Wayne Wilson Memorial Paleface Adios Classic at Albion Park.
“There is no better feeling than winning a feature race, I’ve been lucky throughout my career to sit behind some really nice horses and win some big ones but to win a feature like this race as a trainer would be very special for many different reasons. I think Sid (Maestro Bellini) is a good colt who could provide me with my biggest win as a trainer.” Petroff said.
Since taking over as the private trainer for owner Alf La Spina and his family late last year, the results have been pleasing from the Redcliffe base with the promise of more to come.
Working largely with young stock, Petroff and his partner Bec Croghan have shaped Maestro Bellini into one of the state’s best talents.
The Bettors Delight – Santuzza youngster has displayed natural ability from the very beginning of his career, strong trial efforts were underlined with his winning effort in the Paleface Adios Classic back in March at his debut.
Petroff has since campaigned with his precocious colt in both the Bathurst Gold Crown and Australian Pacing Gold series in Melbourne without much luck.
Back on home soil, Maestro Bellini looms as a legitimate chance in Saturday’s Breeders Classic Final following his crushing victory at Albion Park against quality opposition and in a career best time of 1:55.0 on June 7.
Amongst the vanquished that day was feature race winning filly Jossie James plus the Shannon Price trained duo of Statement Made and Bet Im Special – regarded as his biggest dangers this weekend.
“He went super last start and confirmed that he’s a quality racehorse, he had no favours and did it tough before holding out a very classy filly in great time. He’s trained on well since and looks a major threat again after landing a front-line draw, albeit on the outside of both Statement Made and Bet Im Special.
“It looks like we may be forced to work hard again the way this race maps on paper but he’s beaten them before and he can do it again because he’s fast and strong. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds early in this race but I’m comfortable with any situation.
“Despite the fact he’s done plenty of travelling, he’s still very fresh and well within himself so I’m hopeful of a forward showing. Bec looks after him really well although he’s a cheeky little bugger but he looks really well at the moment.”
A victory on Saturday gives connections a chance of landing the first picket fence panel for the Racing Queensland/UBET Challenge where three wins on the trot including the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Final on July 16 is required.
The bonus is worth $20,500.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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