Playing God and Blackfriars have both sired 4 individual Stakes winners but Playing God (5) has edged ahead with more Stakes wins than Blackfriars (4).  The LR Belmont Classic (2200m) on July 17 and LR Bolton Sprint (1200m) on July 24 are the two remaining black-type events to be decided in Perth this season.

Nerodio (pictured) produced a powerful turn of foot to overwhelm Gemma’s Son for a three-quarter length victory at his debut in Stakes company.  “He’s a fantastic horse who always gives his best and never lets us down,” Bakranich told the West Australian Newspaper.  “He’s had feet issues and a lot of credit goes to our farrier for keeping him sound and in top form.

“He races well at Ascot, but we were keen to start him at Belmont in the winter season.  He’s at his best on soft surfaces after rain and likes the longer straight here.  And Laqdar (Ramoly) rode him faultlessly.”

Bakranich will consider sending Nerodio to the Bolton Sprint and, long-term, the G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in November.

Nerodio (5g Playing God – Black Carat by Lonhro) has now won 9 of his 21 starts for owner-breeders Livio and Renato Divitini.  Their homebred Playing God mare Playing Mariko is a close relation and they have banked a combined $638,280

Playing God (Blackfriars) stands for a State-high $16,500 (inc GST) fee at Darling View Thoroughbreds although the Divitinis could be forgiven for thinking he’s value at twice that price.