Prominent owner Bob Peters has revealed that Perfect Reflection is not a certain Perth Cup starter, despite the talented mare being installed as an outright favourite in betting markets for the Ascot feature race on December 31st.
Perfect Reflection will attempt to emulate former stable mate Delicacy (pictured) by winning the Perth Cup on December 31st. Photo: Jenny Barnes
Perfect Reflection has been a strong and consistent performer throughout her entire racing career so far, and returned to winning form after mustering a strong late turn of foot to take out the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) last weekend.
Yet to contest a race over the mile-and-a-half of the Perth Cup 2016, Peters conceded that Perfect Reflection could face her toughest test to date in the Group 2 feature and will not be risked if conditions aren’t to suit.
“It’s still up in the air if she’ll start,” Peters told The West Australian.
“She faces a difficult task to concede 5kg to Kia Ora Koutou. There’s also a 6kg turnaround against Ihtsahymn.
“We also want to take Perfect Reflection’s condition into account.
“Her progress will be monitored before the decision on a cup start.
“Final acceptances are not until early next week (Tuesday), but our intentions on a start will be confirmed well before then.”
Perfect Reflection made her racing debut in the spring of 2015 and has subsequently posted an impressive race record of seven wins and four minors, through only twelve competitive appearances.
Undefeated through her first five career starts, peaking with a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m), the More Than Ready mare was unable to make much of an impact through two east coast starts in autumn this year, but returned to Perth for a credible third in the Group 3 Northerly Stakes (1400m) on October 15th.
Returning to winning form in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) on November 5th, Perfect Reflection finished third in each of the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) and the Kingston Town Classic, leading into her win in the Ted van Heemst Stakes.
Perfect Reflection is currently available at 2016 Perth Cup odds of $3 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.
