Bob Peters has thrown his support behind the recently revamped Perth spring and summer carnival
Leading owner and breeder Bob Peters has thrown his support behind the recently revamped Perth spring and summer carnival and feels it could open the door for even more feature races in that period.
Peters, who won all three Group 1 races during last year’s TABtouch Masters series, said he expected series would attract nationwide attention.
“I think the way they’ve structured things now will entice eastern states participation a lot more,” he told TABradio.
“Obviously, the extra race gives them more races to aim at.
“I think we are likely to see more of them here.
“I know that’s very important.”
The Railway Stakes (1600m), Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and Kingston Town Classic (1800m) remain the three Group 1 races throughout the series, while another $1.5million weight-for-age race over 1400m closes the five-week carnival.
Peters also said now would be the ideal time to consider a rich slot race in Perth and indicated it could be perfectly placed on a popular race day.
“They definitely create activity in the industry,” he said.
“From that point of view, I think they’re really important.
“I do think Perth Cup Day would probably be the day to have it.”
The Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m), now worth $500,000, opens the series and Peters said he hoped there would be an opportunity to boost the Group 3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) on the same day.
“I’ve got no problem with that (prizemoney increase),” he said.
“The only thing that does look strange is when you’ve got a 1200m race on the same day as the Champion Fillies, which is a very good race, a Group 3 race and it’s only got a stake of $200,000.”
“It’s always been a hard race to win.”
As well as a slot race on Perth Cup Day, Peters felt the time-honoured staying feature could also be looked at.
Peters, who won this year’s Perth Cup with Midnight Blue, said it was important the status and prizemoney of the $400,000 event was maintained.
“It is a very popular race,” he said.
“People wouldn’t realise the public appeal that race has.
“When we won our first one it really amazed me.
“I went down to get a sandwich at the local deli for lunch and all the people behind the counter were congratulating me on the win.”
Meanwhile, Peters enjoyed success at Belmont this afternoon with three-year-old Frigid taking out the Schweppes Handicap (1300m).
