Derby hope predator dazzles on debut
31 December 2015
The Mark Chittick-bred Predator opened his Gr 1 New Zealand Derby campaign in dominant fashion at Taupo yesterday. The highly-regarded son of Savabeel made his first appearance from the stable of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young a memorable one with a dashing debut victory.
Sent out a short-priced favourite after two trial placings, the three-year-old went straight to the front and had the race won a long way out. He was travelling comfortably across the top and bolted away in the straight to win by a wide margin.
“It’s nice to see him do it so easily,” Young said. “He’s going to be a better autumn horse and he is on a Derby path. We might look at the mile race on Karaka Million night, we’ll see how he comes through this first.”
Purchased for $75,000 out of WS’s 2014 draft to Karaka, Predator is out of the Listed Warstep Stakes winner Bird (Danasinga). “He’s by Savabeel so he’s definitely going to get over a trip,” Young said.
Recent News
21 November 2025
The Corner with Garry Chittick
Mary and I attended the races at Pukekohe ten days ago. I enjoy Pukekohe; I like being able to sit where you view the track on a slight angle as the horses approach the winning post. Of course, I enjoyed it even more when both Smart Love and Magice won their respective events.
Read More
20 November 2025
Waikato Stud Heads To Inglis Classic
After a successful Inglis Classic yearling sale last year, Waikato Stud will head back across the Tasman in 2026 where we will offer a select draft of six yearlings. First out of the block for …
Read More