It’s without exaggeration to say that breeding and owning giants, Bob and Sandra Peters, know a thing or two about winning Perth Cups.
With 10 of them locked away in their keep, more than anyone else in history, the Peters’ have indelibly stamped their name on Perth’s iconic staying battle.
The first came in 1993 when three-year-old Field Officer proved successful, their most recent was Midnight Blue, who took it out in 2023 defeating Paddy’s Shadow.
The 2025 edition of the Perth Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day, is shaping as another good one for the Peters’ family after today’s running of the A.T.A.Stakes (2200m).
The victor, Diamond Scene, continued his rate of improvement, claiming his second feature and going one better following a second to Playhouse Patron in the Towton Cup (2200m).
Diamond Scene, trained by Michael Grantham, landed the third win of his campaign and second in Listed company after outpointing his rivals in the Luckygray Stakes (1800m).
Bob Peters says Diamond Scene will be a welcome addition to the Perth Cup line up on January 1.
“It’s nice to see him get through,” Peters said.
“I wasn’t sure he’d get a run in the cup. If he didn’t win today, he was going to be right on the edge,
“This will certainly put him there I would think.”
Diamond Scene got to the post first after a top run from jockey, Clint Johnston-Porter, who found cover following the back of Iowa in fourth position.
Diamond Scene dashed clear inside the final 100m, with Sentimental Hero, unable to find a clear run until late, running second, with Iowa third.
Iowa ran a bolter, the gelding’s first run since his runner-up finish to Starry Heights in the Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m) more than three months ago.
Peters said Johnston-Porter had allowed Diamond Scene to race at his best.
“He put him in the right spot and it was the perfect place to be,” Peters said.
“We wanted to be up there because I didn’t think he would have much chance coming from the back.
“As it worked out it all went to plan.”
Diamond Scene, a five-year-old son of So You Can Think, ran ninth to Casino Seventeen in January’s Perth Cup, but Peters believes the gelding is a different product to almost 12-months back.
“He’s a tough, big horse,” Peters said.
“He ran in the cup last, so he’s around the place.
“He’s developed and looks much stronger.
“He looked a lot fitter, today, he’s nearly there.
“I don’t think there’s a lot more improvement in him.”
Diamond Scene is $5.50 for the Perth Cup, behind only interstate raider Socks Nation $4.20 and Sentimental Hero $5.
Julio Santarelli