Tommy Perfect earned a gold star for bravery with a gallant performance to win at Pukekohe Park.
The Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained homebred son of Tavistock had been a multiple placegetter before breaking through over 2100 metres.
Tommy Perfect was trapped three deep before he strode to a clear and, after he was reeled in before the turn, he rallied gamely and drew away again to score by a length and a-half.
A $24,000 New Zealand Bloodstock National Online Yearling Sale graduate, he is a son of the O'Reilly mare Stella’s Honour, a well-related performer who was successful on five occasions.
She is out of a half-sister to the G2 Edward Manifold Stakes winner Twiglet, who produced the top-flight winner and two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Fancy King Prawn and the G1 Salinger Stakes winner Easy Rocking.
The pedigree also features Cosmic Endeavour, who has a brave of Group 1 victories on her record.
Stella’s Honour’s colt by Almanzor sold to Raumai Bloodstock at Karaka this year for $80,000 and she is in foal to Sword Of State.