Savabeel's Milford Breaks The Drought

Mark Smith - Saturday April 16

It took eight starts for NZ Derby runner-up Milford to break his duck in Australia, which he achieved in style in Saturday’s Group III Neds Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield.

Patrick Moloney looking pleased after getting Miford's nose in front (image Grant Courtney)

Ridden by Patrick Moloney for Mike Moroney, the 4yo gelded son of Savabeel defeated Holbien (Pierro) by a nose with Mandela Effect (Turffontein) two lengths back in third.

“He’s come back better as a gelding. He showed a fair bit early on but lost his was a bit as a colt,” stable representative Glen Thomson said.

“He came back last time as a gelding but struggled a little but after the gelding. Mike put him in a paddock, and he’s come back great this prep.

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“He’s done really well all prep and held his condition well. His two runs leading into this were outstanding, and he really flew under the radar.

“It just looked like he was crying out for the 2000 metres, and he showed that today.”

Purchased by Bruce Perry Bloodstock (BAFNZ) for $360,000 from the Waikato Stud draft in Book 1 of the 2019 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale, Milford is the only runner to date for the unraced O’Reilly mare Etiquette, a sister to 4-time Group 1 winner Sacred Falls.  

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Race Result - Tobin Brothers Easter Cup Gr3 2000m

Caulfield Track: Good(3) Time: 2:02.78
1
Milford
- 4g Savabeel (AUS) x Etiquette (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: Patrick Moloney 54
2
0.1
Holbien
- 7g Pierro (AUS) x Carribean Sunset (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: S J Richards Rdr: Michael Poy 54.5
Pierro
3
2.1
Mandela Effect
- 7g Turffontein (AUS) x Morell (AUS) (West Quest (CAN))
Tnr: Patrick Payne Rdr: H Coffey 55.5
4
2.6
Spirit Ridge
- 7g Nathaniel (IRE) x Tates Creek (USA) (Rahy (USA))
Tnr: Mark Newnham Rdr: J Mott 59
5
3.6
Esti Feny
- 7g Pigeon Catcher (IRE) x Ejtihaad (IRE) (Nayef (USA))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: C Newitt 54
6
5.3
Defibrillate
- 7g Shocking (AUS) x Our Chickaroonie (NZ) (Groom Dancer (USA))
Tnr: Patrick Payne Rdr: W Egan 58
7
5.7
Rock
- 6g Pierro (AUS) x Subtitle (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: M, W & J Hawkes Rdr: Damien Thornton 57
8
6.2
Pondus
- 6g Sea The Moon (GER) x Diablerette (GB) (Green Desert (USA))
Tnr: Robert Hickmott Rdr: M J Dee 59
9
6.4
Zayydani
- 5m Savabeel (AUS) x Ruqqaya (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy (USA))
Tnr: Ben & J D Hayes Rdr: Craig Williams 59
10
8.4
Teewaters
- 3g Dundeel (NZ) x My Girl Lil (AUS) (Not A Single Doubt (AUS))
Tnr: Archie Alexander Rdr: Declan Bates 54
11
9.9
King Of Leogrance
- 7g Camelot (GB) x Amourette (FR) (Halling (USA))
Tnr: Robert Hickmott Rdr: Jye McNeil 59
12
13.4
Sacramento
- 5g Pierro (AUS) x Alzora (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Jordan Childs 58.5
13
23.4
Nancho
- 7g Tai Chi (GER) x Nantana (GER) (Paolini (GER))
Tnr: Archie Alexander Rdr: Zac Spain 58.5
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