Savabeel’s sons top spring chances

Two sons of Savabeel will give the WS star further opportunities in the near future to add to his already formidable record. The multiple Group One winner Sangster and the promising Atmosphere are in good form for major upcoming assignments in Melbourne.

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained duo boast sound last-start second placings in their chase for spring carnival honours. Sangster was a close and unlucky runner-up in the Gr.3 JRA Cup and stablemate Atmosphere has stamped himself as a top chance for the Gr.1 VRC Derby at Flemington on November 1.

“It would be nice to get a result instead of seconds, but you can’t be disappointed when they are racing well,” Busuttin said. Atmosphere pressed his Derby claims when he finished runner-up in Saturday’s Listed UCI Stakes over 1800 metres at Flemington.

“Damien (Oliver) gave him a grouse ride after he drew barrier 14 to get him midfield on the fence,” Busuttin said. “The winner beat us fair and square, but with an extra 700 metres in the Derby we’re hoping to turn it around. There’s still significant improvement in the horse and the bookies obviously agree and have made him favourite for the Derby.”

Out the Danasinga mare Zephyr Song, Atmosphere was bought out of WS’s Premier Sale draft last year and is raced by Singapore trainer Shane Baertschiger. “We’ve been good friends for a long time and Mike Kneebone selected this horse at Karaka – he had a budget of $100,000 and spent $140,000, but it’s looking good now and the horse will be racing for a couple of millions dollars in his next two starts.”

A half-brother to the stakes performer Whistling Dixie (Pins), Atmosphere will complete his Derby lead-up in the $A750,000 Gr.3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) on October 18. Meanwhile, Sangster will run in this Saturday’s $A200,000 Gr.2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield. “There’s the Moonee Valley Cup for him, but if he won on Saturday then he would back up a week later in the Caulfield Cup,” Busuttin said.