Savacat pounces for deserved win
The only surprise about Savacat’s breakthrough success at Tauranga this afternoon was that it hadn’t come sooner.
The Savabeel four-year-old had posted six top-four finishes from her previous eight starts, including a brace of seconds, and one of her unplaced performances was a creditable midfield finish in last season’s G1 New Zealand Oaks.
Trained by Team Rogerson for breeders Waikato Stud, Savacat had run third when resuming two runs back before she got home late for sixth at Te Aroha, and the short-priced favourite made no mistake at Tauranga, where she relished the step up to 2100 metres.
She was able to settle closer to the pace than has been her custom and, after striking the front in the run home, sailed clear to score by a comfortable length.
Savacat’s dam is the Listed Oaklands Plate winner Donna Cattiva, and the Captain Rio mare is also the dam of Savabeel’s son Savvy Legend, who is an eight-time winner and has a yearling filly by Super Seth.
Donna Cattiva is a sister to the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Il Quello Veloce and the upfront family of the elite level-winning half-brothers Terravista and Tiger Tees.
Farm yarns: Mark Chittick
It was lovely to get off the farm for an incredible weekend at The Everest in Randwick. Despite I Wish I Win not performing his best, the day was phenomenal, with an amazing crowd and great racing. Back on the farm, the stallions are thriving, and spring is going brilliantly!
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The Corner with Garry Chittick
The thrill of racing can be unpredictable, like Bantam Rooster one day, Feather Duster the next. Last week, I Wish I Win’s run in the Everest was a mystery, despite perfect preparation. Even the best horses have off days, and without answers, all we can do is wonder.
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