Savaglee superb in Taupo return

The connections of Savaglee will be focussed on boosting his future stallion profile this season and the colt took impressive steps toward that goal at Taupo on Wednesday afternoon.

The Waikato Stud-bred and sold son of Savabeel, successful in last season’s G3 Matamata Slipper, resumed against a small but select field over 1100 metres and the Pam Gerard-trained representative was in a league of his own.

He jumped well to coast along in second spot and lengthened stride 250 metres from home to easily account for the previously unbeaten Super Photon, a Super Seth colt who is also a product of the Matamata nursery.

Savaglee was knocked down to The Oaks Stud General Manager Rick Williams on behalf of farm owner Dick Karreman at Karaka for $400,000.

“That was a really good performance, he did well during a spell and there’s still a lot of improvement in him,” Williams said.

“He’s heading in the right direction and is bred to go a bit further.

“He’ll go the traditional way to the El Roca (Listed), the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (G2) and maybe one more before the 2000 Guineas (G1).

Rider Sam Spratt said Savaglee was also cruising and won without being extended.

“He was awesome and settled beautifully. He kicked away easily and in the last 100 metres had his ears pricked.”

Savaglee is out of the O’Reilly mare Glee, who had a Savabeel filly last season and is due to foal again to the champion stallion.

She is a half-sister to the dam of dual Group 1 winner Orchestral with her pedigree page also featuring the elite level winners Daffodil, Atishu, Aegon and Good Faith.