Savabeel’s son top of the 2YO tree
Sword Of Osman has taken pole position in the race for this season’s champion two-year-old honours. The slick son of Savabeel went to the top of the juvenile rankings when he produced another powerful front-running performance to win Saturday’s Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie off the back of his runaway success in the Group 3 Reid & Harrison Slipper (1200m).
Trained by Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, Sword of Osman has now won three of his four starts with his sole defeat coming in the Karaka Million (1200m). Autridge said their pre-race Sistema plan was to let the gelding continue his customary pacemaking role and those instructions were perfectly executed by ride Opie Bosson, who had labelled the youngster a special talent before he had raced. “The whole race he relaxed beautifully in front,” Bosson said. “He changed legs a few times, but he just kept running. He’s very, very good.”
Sword Of Osman had a length and a quarter to spare on stablemate Avantage at the post with Spanish Whisper third ahead of Bocce. The favourite Melt ran sixth and looked to have her chance. “He’s amazing. He’s like a three-year-old now,” Bosson said. “I can’t wait for his three-year-old career.”
Shailer pair building nicely into spring campaigns
WS-breds Justin Case and Magice contributed to a memorable season for Kris Shailer in his return to the training ranks last term, and he is hoping they can continue their form into the new season.
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Foxbridge Plate Day Delivers at Te Rapa
As host and naming sponsor of the meeting, Waikato Stud was proud to see its signature raceday, headlined by the Group 2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate, run in fine style at Te Rapa on Saturday.
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