Connections of exciting Per Incanto 3YO Mascarinto (Per Incanto – Black Mascara by Don Eduardo) were bold enough to knock back a number of large offers which came in after the horse won his 2YO debut by six lengths last season, defeating subsequent stakes winner Pacific Dragon, and while it hasn't always been plain sailing since then, the horse won in a manner over 1200m at Awapuni on Saturday to suggest he's going to be a serious contender for our major sprinting handicaps next season.
Bred by Haunui Farm and Hilton Mackley, Mascarinto was a $120,000 purchase by his trainer Steven Cole from the Haunui Book 1 draft at the 2021 Karaka Yearling Sale. The 3YO gelding is owned by Cole, his father David and Murray Notman.
Blocked for a run when looking a decidedly winning chance in the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy two starts ago, Mascarinto took luck out of the equation on Saturday, racing outside the leader until turning for home before sprinting clear and going onto record a comfortable win. Mascarinto’s record now stands at 12 starts for four wins and three minor placings for stake earnings of $140,000.
Mascarinto’s dam the six times winner Black Mascara is back in foal to Per Incanto.
In other Awapuni action, the ultra-consistent Desert Lightning was a game second in the 2000m Group 3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic. Purchased by his trainer Peter Williams for $150,000 from LA’s 2020 Karaka Book 1 draft, the Pride of Dubai gelding deserves to be well rated amongst a crop of excellent domestic 3YO's after success in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas, a second-place finish beaten a half head in the 2000 Guineas and placing in the Karaka 3YO Million Classic.
