Per Incanto colt Saracino was thrown in the deep end when asked to debut in a very strong edition of the 1200m Group 3 Phoenix Park 2 Year Old Classic at New Plymouth on Saturday.
And it was confidence that was clearly vindicated when after leading most of the way, Saracino (Per Incanto-Bella Daniela by O’Reilly) was only run down just short of the post, finishing second and becoming the latest black-type performer for his sire.
Owned by Lib Petagna, the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman trained colt holds a nomination for the Group 1 Manawatu Sires Produce on 31 March.