Savabeel gelding Gustavo wins Anzac Mile

26 April 2016

Gustavo added to a growing list of stakes winners trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have had by champion sire Savabeel when taking the Listed Manawatu ITM Anzac Mile at Awapuni on Monday.

It was Gustavo’s first black type success.

“We’ve won some good races with the Savabeels,” said Baker. “There’s been Diademe, Lady Kipling, Saavoya, Pipi Beel , Coldplay and others.”

Topping the list of the Savabeel performers in the Baker – Forsman yard is Diademe, whose seven wins included the Gr.1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Te Aroha. Diademe was raced by Scott Richardson, who also bred and races Gustavo.

Gustavo notched his seventh win from 25 starts, however his recent form had been disappointing, having failed to pay a dividend in his three lead-up starts.

“We changed his training a bit and it seems to have worked,” said Baker. “That was a big effort today. He had to cover a lot of ground.”

Gustavo was settled wide just off the pace by rider Masa Tanaka and ranged up early in the run home. He collared Endure inside the last 150 metres then withstood a late charge from Gwynethanne to win, while Endure held on for third.

Gustavo is the second winner Tanaka has ridden for the Baker – Forsman stable.

“He rode a winner for us at Waverley,” said Baker. “He’s keen and he’s had that overseas experience. That’s why we put him on.”

Baker had intended to give Gustavo a spell after the Anzac Mile, but he may change his mind.

“I’ll have a talk to Scott Richardson first, but there’s a chance he could have another run,” said Baker. – NZ Racing Desk.

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