Scarlett Lady Simply The Best

Graeme Rogerson paid Savabeel’s outstanding daughter Scarlett Lady the ultimate accolade on her triumphant return to racing at Tauherenikau yesterday. The crack mare came back from an injury-forced break to claim the Listed Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes with authority.

“She’s probably the best horse I’ve ever been associated with,” said Rogerson, who trains the four-year-old with wife Debbie. “She’s a great filly and she’s had a decent blow so she’ll run now in the Air New Zealand Stakes and go to Australia and have a look at the International in Singapore.”

Winner of the Gr 1 Queensland Oaks last year, Scarlett Lady had been off the scene since she underwent surgery to remove a bone chip in the spring. “She had a couple of months off after the operation and come back and her works’ been enormous,” Rogerson said.

Scarlett Lady was ridden back in the field today by James McDonald before he improved 800 metres from home. She circled runners quickly and held a strong finishing run to account for Outback Girl (O’Reilly). “In her second trial she was just awesome and she’s done the same today,” McDonald said. “Hopefully everyone can see the best of her now in Australia.”