Savabeel colt lifts Derby profile

23 February 2016

Savabeel’s son What’s The Story boosted his Group One hopes with an outstanding effort at Ellerslie on Saturday. The three-year-old showed his quality when he overcame a chequered run to beat the older horses in his middle distance debut.

The colt came off the canvas after he was involved in a skirmish 600 from home to produce a sustained finish for his second career win. “He lost quite a bit of ground so to get up was a massive performance,” trainer Stephen McKee said.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in the horse and he’s put his hand up as a Derby type. He’s fit so I’ll just keep him ticking over – we’ve come in through the back door so we’ll see how we go.”

What’s The Story’s New Zealand Derby odds were immediately slashed from $51 to $18 following his latest performance. An $80,000 Karaka yearling, he is out of a Carnegie mare who is a half-sister to the multiple Group One winner Tall Poppy.

Super Seth 3YO remains unbeaten

Puntin, trained by Bjorn Baker, maintained his unbeaten record with an effortless win at Moruya. The son of Super Seth stepped up to 1400 metres, dominating older rivals to win by four lengths. Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Puntin hails from a stellar pedigree featuring Group winners Shania Dane and Scintillation.

6 January 2025

Max makes it count at Otaki

Waikato Stud graduate Mad Max (Maxmara), a son of Savabeel, broke through for a deserved maiden win at Otaki under apprentice Lily Sutherland. Trained by Andrew Forsman, the well-bred four-year-old impressed with a strong finish over 1200 metres, boosting confidence after earlier placings and showcasing his elite pedigree and potential.