Savabeel 3YO presses Classic claims

Savabeel’s son Sword Of Osman is back on track for the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.

He put a couple of indifferent displays behind him with a return to winning ways in today’s Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes at Te Rapa.

“We haven’t been able to fault him at home,” trainer Jamie Richards said.

“I’m so pleased for Opie (Bosson), he’s a big part of the team and rides him in all his gallops.

“It’s nice to see him get a big win, he’s worked so hard to get back.”

Bosson allowed Sword Of Osman to roll to the front down the back and the horse travelled easily.

“He relaxed beautifully after I got a soft lead,” he said.

“He’ll run a mile, he went right to the line today.”

Sword Of Osman was hotly challenged in the closing 100 metres by Qiji Express but fought determinedly for a narrow victory.

By champion sire Savabeel, Sword Of Osman is from Distant View mare Bunyah and was bred by Joan Egan. Offered on account of Trelawney Stud at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, Sword Of Osman was purchased by top judge David Ellis for $165,000.

Meanwhile, Stephen Marsh is confident Starrybeel can make his mark in strong staying company.

“I think he can go right through the grades once he gets up over ground,” the Cambridge trainer said.

“Potentially, he could be a decent cups’ horse. We gelded him and he’s a different horse.”

A son of Savabeel, he was purchased out of Waikato Stud’s draft at Karaka for $180,000 by Go Racing.

His dam Starry is an unraced daughter of O’Reilly and a half-sister to the Listed Widden Stakes winner Delta Girl.

It is also the family of the Gr.3 Gloaming Stakes winner and Group One performer Strike The Stars.