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.