Tivaci’s honest son outstays rivals

Tivaci

Verifier posted a richly deserved victory on the Hillside track at Sandown after genuine performances this preparation.

The Nigel Blackiston-trained son of Tivaci had placed in three of his previous four appearances and the step up to 2400 metres brought out the best in the four-year-old.

As is his custom, Verifier settled toward the back of the field before rider Declain Bates made his move 800 metres from home.

The four-year-old rounded the home bend wide out on the track and held a sustained finish to overwhelm his rivals.

“He’s been very honest and the owners have been very patient,” Blackiston said.

“He needed the bigger track to build momentum and he’s done a good job.

“He tracked into it nicely and found the line well and Declan rode him very well.”

Verifier was an A$80,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase for Blackiston and is the first live foal of the Savabeel mare Checkout, who is a daughter of the G2 Angus Armanasco Stakes winner Shopaholic.

From the family of the late multiple Group 1 winner and successful sire Sacred Falls, Checkout has an unraced juvenile filly by Ocean Park, a daughter and son of Super Seth and is in foal to Ardrossan.

Recent News
17 September 2025

The Corner with Garry Chittick

Well, it was finally our turn. Mary and I shared in the joy of winning a race; we were there, of course. We could have settled in, in front of the TV – not driven the 50 minutes each way, but the emotions are entirely different.

Read More
14 September 2025

Smart Love too smart this start

Smart Love (Savabeel ex Relentless Desire) made a winning return at Te Rapa on 14 September, storming home by 3.3 lengths. Racing in Garry Chittick’s colours, the four-year-old mare impressed for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott after two solid trials.

Read More