First trial winner for Gio Ponti

Pearl Bloodstock’s 2YO filly Pearl Congenial, by US champion Gio Ponti, won her first trial at Cranbourne today. 

The Robert Smerdon-trained filly began smartly, took up the running with her ears pricked and needed only gentle encouragement from jockey Craig Williams to maintain her lead to the post. Pearl Congenial ran out the 800 metres in 49.31, finishing almost a half-length in front of Literate with Sweet Sherry third.

Watch Pearl Congenial’s trial win.

Pearl Congenial is the second foal of Congenial, a city winner by Redoute’s Choice from Group 2 winner Toast Of The Coast. Congenial was bought in foal to Gio Ponti for $85,000 by Westbury Stud from Arrowfield at the 2013 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

David Redvers purchased the yearling Pearl Congenial for $100,000 from the Newhaven Park draft at this year’s Inglis Easter Sale.

Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat-Chipeta Springs by Alydar) has had three 2YO winners this year from his first US-bred crop, including stakes-placed filly Truly Ponti. He stands at Castleton Lyons in Kentucky.