Sparkling display from Savabeel mare

Savabeel’s daughter Chintz pressed her claims for higher honours when she dominated a strong field of mares in yesterday’s Gr 3 Westbury Classic at Ellerslie. Although she was disadvantaged by the conditions of the race, she raced clear in the straight to win with ease.

“She really is an improving mare and she keeps taking the next step,” said co-trainer Tony Pike, who bred and races the five-year-old with his parents Wayne and Vicki. “She was up in the weights with 57kg after winning the Rich Hill with 52 so off her rating she was badly off. We’ll consider the mile (Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Japan Trophy) at Tauranga next and then on to the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes and probably her last race will be the Easter Handicap.”

A previous winner of the Gr 2 Rich Hill Mile, Chintz was ridden by Michael Walker. “She gave me a really good feel going to the start and she’s one of those really tough mares that just wants to get on with the job,” he said. “She’s got a lot of class and I think the older she gets the better she will get,” Walker said.