Smart savabeel colt back in work
25 November 2015
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.
Recent News
9 July 2026
Oilman’s stud stake could change course of NZ breeding
Eighteen months ago, Texas oilman Nelson Bunker Hunt walked through the lush Waikato pasture of Matamata’s Balcarres Stud and announced he wanted some just like it for his own.
Today he has-360 acres about a mile down the road which has been transformed from a dairy farm to one of New Zealand’s leading horse and cattle breeding establishments.
Read More
9 July 2026
WS graduate Honour Roll out to add stakes success at Otaki
Waikato Stud will be cheering on one of its promising graduates on Friday when Honour Roll contests the Listed John Turkington Forestry Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Otaki. The WS-bred son of the late Champion sire …
Read More