A dashing fresh up performance has seen Pencarrow Racing’s Persuasive (Darci Brahma x Pertinacious) capture the second win of her career in the $17,500 Topsoil & Supplies (2011) Ltd Rating 65 1200m at Te Rapa today.

There were anxious moments for rider Michael Coleman aboard Persuasive in the straight as he struggled to find. After being disappointed for a run on the outside, Coleman headed back towards the inside and burst between horses into a gap. The Darci Brahma filly then sprouted wings to hit the front in the shadow of the winning post to win by a long neck.

“It was an impressive victory considering she botched the start,” commented co-trainer Andrew Scott who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. “She got well held up on straightening but once she found pure air she found the line strongly.

“We just have to get her to relax and breathing evenly then she gets home lovely. It was an encouraging win today - being a touch older she has got a touch stronger. There is further improvement in her through maturity so she is going the right direction.

“We will just work her through the grades this spring and hopefully in the autumn we will be able to tackle a nice race with her.”

Persuasive was a winner in similar fashion in November of last year at Avondale, she settled well back on that day and flashed home to land victory.

Today’s win is the four-year-old mare’s second win from seven starts for owner Sir Peter Vela.

Bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela, Persuasive is out of Montjeu mare Pertinacious, a daughter of former New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Sarwatch (Jetball), herself a daughter of four-time Group 1 winner Riverina Charm (Sir Tristram).

Pertinacious is expecting a foal by first season sire Super Easy this season.