Smart savabeel colt back in work

One-time Gr 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas favourite Scrutinize has returned to the Matamata stable of Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards. The WS-bred son of Savabeel and Legs moved into serious contention for the Christchurch classic when he finished runner-up in the Gr 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas.

However, plans for Riccarton were scrapped following his unplaced run in the Gr 2 Sarten Memorial after an interrupted run. “We had bloods taken and the results said he’d had enough,” Richards said. “He had 10 days in the paddock and we’re really happy with him now, he’s 100 per cent.”

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis out of WS’s 2014 Premier Sale draft to Karaka for $200,000, Scrutinize has won two of his four starts. “His first serious aim is likely to be the Great Northern Guineas at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day and we’ll find a lead-up race somewhere for him,” Richards said.