Savabeel’s Son A Cracker

Savabill looks all over a potential headline act for WS stallion Savabeel after maintaining his unbeaten record at Otaki. The two-year-old emphasised his class and courage to overcome a tough run and post his second victory in as many starts for Matamata trainer John Sargent.

The youngster had hinted at his potential with a trial win back in August and then confirmed his private reputation with a clear-cut success on debut at Te Rapa last month. The gelding returned to competition in the opening event on Levin Classic day in style and hit the line strongly under rider Mark Du Plessis after being posted three wide on the pace with no cover.

“Mark came down and galloped him on Tuesday and was very happy,” stable foreman Hayden Allan said. “He’s very professional in everything he does and his main target will be the Karaka Million.” Savabill has now banked $16,250 from his two appearances to place him in the top six in order of entry to the country’s richest two-year-old event to be run at Ellerslie on Sunday, January 30.

WS stallion Pins dominates the current top of the Karaka Millions table with his colts Bespoke (Listed Welcome Stakes) and Antonio Lombardo (Listed Wellesley Stakes) one and two while Savabill has now moved into serious contention. He is out the winning Desert Sun mare Illuminate and is a half-brother to multiple Australian winner Gigino and the stakes-placed Brillanti.

Savabeel completed a grand day at Otaki when his daughter Lady Kipling hit the line strongly to earn a Gr 1 credit when third in the Levin Classic. The Murray and Bjorn Baker-trained filly has fashioned the excellent record of two wins and four placings from her seven appearances.

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