Savabeel mare super in Travis

Savabeel’s daughter Supera capped a cracking season with victory in the Gr.2 Travis Stakes at Te Rapa this afternoon.

The four-year-old has proven a model of consistency throughout her current campaign that commenced back in October with a fresh-up victory over 1400 metres at Te Aroha.

Co-trainer Ken Kelso has always felt Supera would be at her best when tried over a middle-distance after she stormed home to be narrowly beaten over a mile in the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha at her previous start.

That opportunity presented itself today and rider Michael Coleman rode a patient race before winding the Sir Peter Vela-bred and owned Supera up and she stormed to a decisive win.

“I thought she was further back than what we initially thought she would be, but she was nice and relaxed and lobbing along,” Kelso said.

“There was a bit of speed in the race, so we always thought if she was our best, she would get over the top of them. “She’s very special.”

Kelso said Supera would now head for a spell with bigger things expected from her in the spring.

“She’s going to go out now,” he said. “She’s come a long way, so she can have a nice break.

“She won’t be out too long and we’ll bring her back and set her for something through the spring.

“We’ve had a lot of good mares over the years and she is right up there with them.”