Perfect In Pink steps out of shadow

Perfect In Pink (American Ideal) emerged from the shadows of her famous older half-sister Ladies In Red when she took out the Benstud Standardbreds Mares Pace Final at Melton. 

The $1.80 favorite Look Like Diamonds worked to the lead while Perfect In Pink settled mid field in the running line before Mark Pitt pulled out to stake his claim with 400 metres to travel. 

Perfect In Pink ($3.90) levelled up with the leaders on straightening and produced a stout finale to score by a metre from Shanlou and Look Like Diamonds. 

Perfect In Pink has put in a strong performance to rise over her rivals, taking out the Benstud Standardbreds Mares Pace Final for Mark Pitt and Clayton Tonkin. pic.twitter.com/e8Dp7hrMGO

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) June 29, 2024

Pitt believes the daughter of American Ideal races best when driven with a sit. 

“It was a super win as the tempo was strong early and I just drove her for one run at them and I think she goes best like that,” Pitt said. 

Pitt said the mare was suited by the genuine mid race tempo. 

“When there was plenty of power on up front it was going to be her race to lose,” he said. 

“We were close enough to them when they were really striding so I didn’t have to go too early and that helped our cause.” 

Pitt said he knew he was making headway on the leaders around the final bend. 

“Sometimes it can be a bit deceiving on this track where you are out wide and looking like you’re going nowhere but you’re actually running pretty good sectionals,” he said. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink