Top Trentham day for Savabeel

Savabeel produced a winning double at Trentham on Saturday with one proven performer back to his best and the emergence of another young Group One candidate. The WS-bred Pump Up The Volume claimed the time-honoured Chalmers Handicap while Kawi stamped himself as a serious Levin Classic prospect.

Pump Up The Volume was a $10,000 yearling purchase for trainer and part-owner Ralph Manning and he’s now won four times in a relatively light career. The five-year-old was well-ridden by Opie Bosson to master the ultimate 3200 metre distance in his latest success.

“He had him asleep the whole trip and that’s why he’s the best,” Manning said. “He hasn’t been the strongest horse and he’s only just coming to it – his mother was a good mare as well.” His dam Nat The Brat won nine races and two at Group Three level.

Meanwhile, Kawi confirmed co-trainer Allan Sharrock’s opinion when he raced away to defeat Group One winner Recite. “He’s a serious horse and he’s got a wee way to go – he’s still a bit on and off and pulling and acting like a buffoon before the race, but he’ll come right,” he said. “He’s won with a leg in the air and he’s learning all the time, he’s just a magnificent animal. He’ll have a couple of runs in three-year-old races and we’ll keep him in the age group races through to the (Levin) Classic.”