SAVAGLEE WINS STALLION MAKING RACE

Impressive winning on debut, Savaglee (2 c Savabeel – Glee, by O’Reilly) was back in winning action with a smart performance in the $100,000 Fairview Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Saturday at Matamata.

Having made a real statement when winning untouched by four lengths in October at Trentham, Savaglee most recently raced well for fifth in the Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on 27 January at Ellerslie, and co-trainer Pam Gerard reported that his final piece of work last Thursday had been first-class.

“He was very well, jumping out of his skin, and racing on his home track looked to be nice advantage,” Gerard said.

With Samantha Spratt aboard, who is riding in career best form, Savaglee took up a handy spot on the inner, was camped on the leaders turning for home, quickened through to lead inside the 200m and extended beautifully in winning.

“He was really good and had a good turn of foot,” Spratt said. “He travelled beautifully on the bit and did everything really well.”

On footing upgraded to Good4, Savaglee ran 1200 metres in 1:10.0, last 600m in 35.2 (approx.), and paid handsomely ($14.60 & $4.80) on the NZ TAB tote.

Owned by The Oaks Stud, who purchased the colt for $400,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud, 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), Group Two winner Atishu (Savabeel), and recent star Orchestral (Savabeel), who was so exciting in the Karaka Millions 3YO (Restricted Listed, 1600m) and Avondale Guineas (Gr. 2, 2100m).

In his quest to eventually stand at stud, winning the Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m) is a step in the right direction, having previously been won by stallions Darci Brahma (Danehill), Minstrel Court (Danehill Dancer), Heroic Valour (Fastnet Rock), and Sword Of State (Snitzel).

The Oaks Stud general manager Rick Williams said: “It’s great to win a stakes race here at Matamata, especially being a colt and winning what has become a stallion-making race.

“We paid a lot of money for him, he’s a lovely horse and Sam gave him a great ride.”

Gerard was relieved to see Savaglee make a well-deserved return to winning form.

“I’m very grateful to Rick Williams and The Oaks Stud for giving us the opportunity to train such a lovely colt,” she said. “It comes with a little bit of pressure – we realise how much they put into it and that they have plans for this colt.

“He was sensational winning on debut and has now won again after racing so well in the Karaka Millions.

“Hopefully between us in New Zealand and Mike (Moroney) in Australia, we can get the results they want.

“He’s a Savabeel colt that is still getting there, but he’s shown very good ability. He learned a lot from Karaka Millions night and sat beautifully before showing a really good turn of foot today.

“We can’t wait to get him up over 1400m and hopefully keep the good results coming.”

In attendance from Waikato Stud, Garry Chittick said: “That’s the 142 stakes winner for Savabeel (Zabeel), who surpassed (grand-sire) Sir Tristram and closing in on the 164 by Zabeel.”

Savaglee was strapped by Bhom Singh.