Cracking day for WS stallions

Savabeel’s stunning daughter Savaria headlined an outstanding day for WS when she became his latest Group One winner. The Zabeel stallion extended his lead in the New Zealand sires’ premiership this afternoon when she triumphed in the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham, while O’Reilly had a field day at Te Rapa.

Savaria’s shared victory in the Gr 3 Lowland Stakes earned her Oaks favouritism and she justified her support in style. Trained by Roydon Bergerson and expertly ridden by Hayden Tinsley, the filly landed the classic and a betting coup for owners Des and Kay Fleming.

“Des has slaughtered the bookmakers and got more than the winning stake off the TAB,” a jubilant and relieved Bergerson said. “He told me last Monday so there was no pressure!”

The Flemings have been breeding thoroughbreds for more than three decades, but changed tack when they went to Karaka in 2013 and secured Savaria for $110,000. “She’s a damn good filly and from day one I said to Des that she was something special,” Bergerson said. “She’s proved that today – she’s one out of the box.”

Savaria settled midfield on the fence and Tinsley kept his cool when hemmed in at the top of the straight. A gap presented itself 200 metres from home between a weakening Gin Swing and Charmont and they powered through to Group One glory. “I picked her as my Oaks ride after her maiden win,” Tinsley said. “She’s a beautiful filly, she’s easy to ride and just goes to sleep.”

Savabeel also made his presence felt at Flemington where his unbeaten daughter Pasadena Girl won the Gr 3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Flemington. Trainer Peter Moody noted most of the stallion’s progeny were rarely as precocious as his charge. “You would think it augurs for a very good future,” he said. “She’s doing what she shouldn’t be doing on pedigree, but she’s coping with it well and enjoying her racing so happy days.”

Not to be outdone, O’Reilly’s son Burbero won the Gr 2 Ajax Stakes at Rosehill and he was also the dominant sire force at the Waikato meeting. Group One prospect Spellbinder started the ball rolling with Irish Moon, Stella’s Honour and Augusta National later following her winning lead, while at Trentham Procurement was a close second in the Gr 3 Cuddle Stakes.