Gallant King rules at Te Rapa

Savabeel

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained The Night King posted an overdue victory when he rallied strongly to score at Te Rapa this afternoon.

The son of Savabeel had been around the mark in a handful of previous appearances and showed an abundance of tenacity to secure his breakthrough win. 

The Night King sat in fourth spot before peeling three-wide with 600 metres to run and was in front on straightening. He was clearly headed before rider Ryan Elliot got to work and the 3-year-old fought back gallantly.

Bred by Waikato Stud, the gelding was sold at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale with Forsman signing the ticket at $70,000.

The Night King is a son of the Pins mare Snowdrop, who won six races and was twice a black-type placegetter. 

She is a daughter of the three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil with the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Aegon also a member of this family.

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