Savabeel 4YO looks a royal prospect

Jamie Richards desperately wanted to avoid another missed opportunity with Savabeel’s exciting son Royal Success and the Matamata horseman’s wish was granted at Trentham last Saturday. He was on edge before the opening event this afternoon when the four-year-old, who he trains with Stephen Autridge, broke through the gates and dumped rider Matt Cameron.

One they were reunited, Royal Success was reluctant to reload for the Wallaceville Estate Premier, but the starting crew won that argument and the gelding subsequently ran out an impressive winner. “He’s a serious horse in the making and we wanted to get him going,” said Richards, referring to a false start seven days ago when the Wanganui meeting was abandoned. “Obviously his form last preparation was very good and his work at home had been very strong.”

Fifth on debut in the autumn, Royal Success then reeled off wins at Pukekohe Park, Otaki and Te Rapa before he was put aside. His immediate mission will now be the Dunstan Feeds Rising Stars Championship over 1500 metres at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. “He probably won’t have another run before that, he’s got a few little issues and we won’t be racing him on rock hard tracks,” Richards said.

Royal Success settled behind the pace on the fence before Cameron came away from the rail across the top and the horse finished determinedly in the straight. “He’s got all the ability,” Cameron said. “He can be a bit difficult and he still tends to run around a bit, he’s still a big baby.”

Savabeel also went close to a feature race victory when his WS-bred and sold daughter Hasaholo failed by only a nose in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes. The youngster was a $110,000 Karaka yearling and her brother (Lot 193) will be offered during next year’s Premier session. They are out of the Encosta De Lago mare Halloween.