Well-related Splurge strikes again

High-priced yearling Splurge added to his already tidy record witb a gallant performance to score at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. The WS-bred and sold son of Savabeel made the running under top jockey Opie Bosson and the four-year-old held a stong gallop to remain unbeaten this preparation.

The gelding had previously been an impressive winner when resuming at Hawke’s Bay. “It’s good to have Opie on the team and it was another lovely ride,” said Jamie Richards, who trains in partnership with Stephen Autridge.

“David (Ellis) paid a bit of money for him and he’s raced by the same owners as Xtravagant. They have been patient and we’re having a great run with the Savabeels.”

A $500,000 yearling, Splurge has now won four of his seven starts to press his claims for a shot at a Group One feature at Trentham. “He’s nominated for the Thorndon Mile, but we’ll see how he comes through this first,” Richards said.

Splurge is a half-brother to the Gr 2 Angus Armanasco and the Gr 3 Vanity Stakes winner Shopaholic (Pins). They are out of the Gr 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes winner Splashing Out and the family of resident stallion and multiple Group One winner Sacred Falls.