Lopov Strikes at The Valley

2 July 2011

Savabeel’s son Lopov showed he was a horse to follow with a stylish victory at the Melbourne track today.

The son of the G1 Cox Plate winner is building a strong staying record with a win and two placings since taking his chances over ground.

Trained by Danny O’Brien, Lopov was given the perfect run by apprentice Brent Evans on Saturday and took control of the race on the home turn. The three-year-old held a strong gallop to the finish to deny the favourite You Think So and post his third success from 14 appearances.

The gelding was bought by O’Brien from WS’s 2009 Karaka draft for $25,000 and is out of the Gr 2 performed mare Prickle, a daughter of Pins who won three races and is a sister to the well-performed Sydney stayer Legsman (Listed Winter Cup). Their dam Snobbish (Centaine) is a full-sister to the multiple Gr 1 winner Slight Chance.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is not the easiest role, that of Chairman of our Thoroughbred Racing Board. Like all chairmanships, one’s mind is rarely not occupied with the responsibility. To our Chairman, I say thanks. A lifetime in the industry, Chairman of our largest club, it is difficult to identify someone more suited to the role.

14 May 2026

Sav’s girl Chispa targeting the Gr.1 Oaks

Savabeel filly Chispa enhanced her Queensland Oaks credentials with a dominant Randwick victory for Chris Waller and James McDonald, with the Pencarrow Stud-bred and raced filly surging clear over 1800 metres in impressive fashion.