Purple patch of form extended
Sagunto has been in impressive form this preparation and his tenacity was further rewarded at Otaki this afternoon.
The son of the late O’Reilly was quickly into his customary front-running role under rider Shaun McKay for his father and trainer Peter and they took the field along at a genuine clip.
Sagunto was hotly challenged at the top of the straight, but he wasn’t to be denied and despite giving weight to the second and third placegetters, rallied gallantly for his third win from his last four appearances.
He was a $120,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale purchase and is out of the Listed Northland Breeders’ S. winner Queen Sabeel.
A sister to the winner and Group performer Bardem, Queen Sabeel has a perfect record at stud with all four of her foals to race successful.
The Corner with Garry Chittick
Well, it was finally our turn. Mary and I shared in the joy of winning a race; we were there, of course. We could have settled in, in front of the TV – not driven the 50 minutes each way, but the emotions are entirely different.
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Smart Love too smart this start
Smart Love (Savabeel ex Relentless Desire) made a winning return at Te Rapa on 14 September, storming home by 3.3 lengths. Racing in Garry Chittick’s colours, the four-year-old mare impressed for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott after two solid trials.
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