Quality colt claims Group One honours

Hall Of Fame became Savabeel’s latest Group One star when he claimed top honours in the Levin Classic at Trentham this afternoon. The Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained colt also furthered his New Zealand Derby claims with the fifth win of his nine start career.

His latest success also served to wipe out the disappointment of the spring when he was unplaced in the Gr 1 NZ 2000 Guineas. “He’s always showed plenty of ability, but he’d had enough then and we gave him a break and he’s come back better than ever,” said Stephen Autridge, who trains in partnership with Jamie Richards. “It’s great for Savabeel and it’s great for Te Akau, we’re absolutely rapt.”

The three-year-old’s NZ Derby odds have now been trimmed to $9 for the March 17 feature at Ellerslie. “At this stage, he’ll run next in the Waikato Guineas,” Autridge said.

Hall Of Fame was in a good early position behind the pace before he got shuffled back, but rider Opie Bosson was able to angle off the fence 600 metres from home. They moved into contention at the top of the straight and Hall Of Fame edged clear with 200 metres to go.

“I got to the front a bit soon and he was gazing around,” Bosson said. “He’s got the best attributes of a top colt and he just goes out and does his stuff.”