Savabeel mare raises the bar

Concert Hall was set a challenge at Trentham on Saturday and the Savabeel mare rose to the occasion in terrific fashion.

In her first black type outing this preparation, she came from the back of the field to easily land the Gr. 3 Cuddle Stakes.

“It was a step up, but she had been pretty dominant in the lower grades,” said Roger James, who trains with Robert Wellwood.

“That was a bit special. She was last for a lot of the race so it was a super effort. There was true pace and that helped”

James said consideration would be given to a start in the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha.

Concert Hall is now the winner of five of her nine starts for owner Joan Egan.

“It’s wonderful for Joan. She’s a passionate breeder and has had the family for a long time,” James said.

Concert Hall is out of the Carnegie mare Classic Legacy, who was successful on four occasions.

She is from the family of the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks and Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Tartan Heights.

Concert Hall is Savabeel’s 88th individual Stakes winner and is his 17th Stakes winner this season.