PLENTY OF GLEE AROUND SAVABEEL COLT

Making a real statement on debut, Savaglee (2 c Savabeel – Glee, by O’Reilly) cleared out to win the $40,000 2YO 900 metres on Saturday at Trentham.

Backed into favouritism on the strength of his easy trial win on 6 October at Waipa, where he began cleanly to lead, travelled well, and quickened clear mid-straight, Savaglee is a natural looking two-year-old, and RaceForm Editor Dennis Ryan likened him to Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel), a former Karaka Million (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner that stands at stud in Australia.

With enough stake money to take stock in preparation for the $1m Karaka Million (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on 27 January at Pukekohe, Savaglee gained eligibility for the juvenile jewel after being purchased for $400,000 by The Oaks Stud at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud.

Ridden by Niranjan Parmar (a1), who was also aboard in his sole trial, Savaglee began well to lead and raced away at the 200m to win untouched by four lengths.

In the race sponsored by DCoppins@xtra.co.nz New Tips Service, Savaglee ran 900 metres in 53.1 on footing rated Soft6 and paid $2.50 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard said: “We’ll work backwards from the Karaka Million, send him home for a week long break at The Oaks Stud, but I think he’s the type of colt that will benefit by continuing to tick over so we’ll plan a few more races for him.

“He’s very professional, fast, and done everything right so far as a two-year-old colt.

“We thought the race served as a nice option to get some coin in the bank and also give him a trip away.

“The footing came up ideal and he’s probably exceeded my expectations a bit in the way that he won.

“He hasn’t been off the bridle yet, so, yes, it’s pretty encouraging to see him win in that manner.

“Niranjan got a good feel of him at the Waipa trials and he’s done a really good job, getting him out cleanly, and looking after him in the run he was sitting pretty.

“Keeping him ticking over is probably the best way to manage him, to help prevent him getting too coltish, and he’s a pretty fit and ready sort of horse.”

Savaglee is exceptionally well related, from the family of Champion Three-Year-Old and triple Group One winner Daffodil (No Excuse Needed), Australasian Top 2YO Filly Good Faith (Straight Strike), Group One winner Aegon (Sacred Falls), and Group Two winner Atishu (Savabeel)

Savaglee was strapped by Bhom Singh.