Boom NZ 3YO sets sights on the Australian Guineas

Gun New Zealand three-year-old Savaglee experienced his first taste of Australian racing on home soil this Saturday, finishing behind Aussie raiders Here To Shock and Bosustow in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. His connections are now eager to test his talents across the Tasman.

Raced by The Oaks Stud, Savaglee has been a dominant force against his own age group this season, winning five of his six starts, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). Over the weekend, he faced his first weight-for-age test, stepping up against older and more experienced competitors.

The Oaks Stud General Manager, Rick Williams, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Pam Gerard-trained colt, noting that the race didn’t entirely go his way. “We knew they (Here To Shock and Bosustow) were good horses, and it is always hard for a three-year-old at weight-for-age. It was a hell of a race, and I am very proud of the horse,” Williams said.

“He went a little bit keenly once Babylon Berlin crossed him. He usually drops the bit and relaxes nowadays, but he was a little bit fierce and just got held up for a while in the straight, which was probably the difference between running second,” Williams explained. “He would never have beaten the winner, who was brilliantly ridden by Nash Rawiller and sat outside us. Older horses can lean on you a bit and dominate three-year-olds.”

Williams acknowledged that the race was a valuable learning experience for Savaglee. “It was his first time against the older horses, so it was a good experience for him, and I am sure he will improve off it.”

Looking ahead, Williams is excited about taking Savaglee to Melbourne, where he will compete in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 8. “I am certain now that he prefers a mile to 1400m, and we are going on to the Australian Guineas. There is no reason not to go,” he said.

“The form analysts are telling me we are right in the mix. I think he has dropped down to third favourite, but the bookmakers don’t worry me. I am quite sure he will go over there and he will be right in it,” Williams added confidently.

With his $45,000 prize from the weekend, Savaglee has now surpassed $1 million in earnings. Williams credited this milestone to the enhanced prizemoney in New Zealand over the last 18 months, highlighting the positive impact it has had on the local racing industry.