So You Think Stayer Wins G2 Perth Cup

Leading WA owner breeders Bob and Sandra Peters have had an amazingly successful Perth Summer Carnival and put the icing on the cake when their homebred stayer Midnight Blue (5g So You Think x Midnight Special, by Zabeel) captured the Group II WATC Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot on New Year’s Day.

Trained by Grant and Alanna Williams, Midnight Blue was sent out favourite and scored a determined half length win under Pat Carbery giving the Peters’ their tenth success in the time honoured race.

Third in the Group II WATC Perth Cup last year, five year-old Midnight Blue has strengthened with maturity and has the overall record five wins and eight placings from 19 starts with prizemoney topping $580,000.

Midnight Blue needed to overcome an interrupted preparation due to a hoof problem.

"It was a bit unfortunate, but he caught up and had not lost a lot of work,” said Bob Peters.

"He had the ability to be there and ran third in the race last year, so he proved he could run 2400m, and he has done it again today.

"He has developed and matured. You only have to have a look at him and see what a big strong horse he is.”

Midnight Blue is a half-brother to Group II winner Demonetization and stakes-winner Neverland being from good producing Zabeel mare Midnight Special, a winning sibling to Group winners Rainbow Styling, Zingaling and to the dam of Group I winner Inspirational Girl.

Midnight Special has been married to So You Think since Midnight Blue was born and her next three foals are all by the Coolmore based champion.

Midnight Blue is one of four Group winners in Australia this season for So You Think, who has 19 entries for Magic Millions.