Bob Peters has been the dominate player during Perth’s summer carnival and he bobbed up again when Neverland (Big Brown) nailed a last-stride victory in the LR Challenge Stakes (1500m).
Big Brown’s unbeaten filly Neverland toughed out a close verdict with Palace Intruder (Oratorio) and Delicacy (Al Maher) on Saturday. “I thought the other one had beaten us but you’ve got to favour the outside horse here,” Peters said. “I’ve always liked this filly and she was on the minimum today.”
Neverland is the first Australian stakes winner and the 14th world-wide for Vinery Stud’s Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown. “She’s not a robust type so we took her along slowly,” Peters said. “I supported Big Brown and they just need a bit of time. Hopefully, this filly can keep going over longer distances.”
Big Brown went close to a Stakes double in the next race with juvenile Light Up The Sky finishing second to Lucky Street in the $230,000 Magic Millions Perth 2yo Classic.
Neverland (3f Big Brown – Midnight Special by Zabeel) had won on debut at Northam in September and then resumed for another impressive victory at Ascot on January 21. Trainer Grant Williams will continue on an autumn campaign aimed at the WATC Oaks (2400m) on March 28.
Peters paid $210,000 for her dam Midnight Special at the 2007 Sydney Easter Yearling Sale and she delivered Neverland first-up at stud. The mare has a yearling filly by Myboycharlie, a colt at foot by Australian Champion 3yo All Too Hard and she was bred her back to Big Brown in November.
