Savabeel 4YO Primed for G3 TAB Mile

Media Release - Monday November 11

Tony Pike’s runners haven’t missed a beat in their bid to successfully execute a black-type double for the stable at Riccarton on Wednesday.

The Cambridge trainer has the in-form Witz End and Acquarello in the feature events on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup carnival with Matt Cartwright and Michael McNab their respective riders.

Witz End will contest the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on Wednesday.  Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

The lightly raced Witz End confirmed his passage south for a crack at the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) with a last-start success at Ellerslie to take his record to four victories and two runner-up finishes from eight appearances.

“He had to win or run extremely well, which he did, and he’s only been tripped up twice and that’s been by two wet tracks,” Pike said.

“Him and Acquarello flew down on Sunday and they’ve both had trips to or from Australia, so they are pretty well travelled and have done well.”

Witz End will have to contend with a wide gate (14) on Wednesday, but the son of Savabeel has proved himself to be a tractable character.

“We wanted to get him into a nice handicap off the minimum and with 53kg it’s worked out perfectly, apart from the barrier draw,” he said.

“It’s probably the best mile start in Australasia with a long run to the first corner so Matt will have plenty of time to decide if he presses forward or takes a sit behind the speed.

“One of his best runs as a three-year-old was coming from well back to run second in the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) so he doesn’t have to lead.

“He’s got a big action and can pretty much do it any way, he’s still learning his trade and is obviously very talented.”

Advertisement

Acquarello is presented with the first black type opportunity of her career in the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).

The Written Tycoon mare was a Rating 75 winner at Matamata two runs back before a solid run for third under topweight and will enjoy a 4kg drop.

“She is going really well and got caught wide at Ellerslie and it might have just been a bit on the firm side for her,” Pike said.

“She has come back in great order and she maps to get a nice trip in a smallish field, I think she’ll be right in the finish.”

Raced by Trelawney Stud, Acquarello has won twice for the stable after breaking her maiden across the Tasman at Pakenham when prepared by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.

Pike will also have a small team at Te Aroha on Tuesday and tipped Pierro gelding Golden Century as his best chance.

He will step out in the Riversley Park Maiden (1400m) following a strong debut third at Taupo with Ryan Elliot retaining the mount.

“He’s a nice staying three-year-old going forward and I think he’ll go close,” Pike said.

“He’s a horse to follow as he gets up in trip, he’s got the pedigree and type to be a Derby horse, like so many others obviously, and that’s a long-term plan.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch – Scone
Kris Lees often sends a talented horse to the country to cast off maiden status and a two year-old Exceedance gelding did just that on debut at Scone on Monday.
Ardrossan Supporters Rewarded with Taken
The emergence of the Victorian-based Taken is another winning story for a New Zealand breeding and ownership group established to support the three-year-old’s young sire.
G1 Tatts Tiara – Where Are They Now?
The last Group I race of the Australian racing season, the $700,000 Tatts Tiara (1400m) will be run this Saturday and as a fillies and mares feature the winner is often headed straight to stud, so we’re taking a look at where these girls are at.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday June 24
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Canterbury
There were a whopping 10 heats won by juveniles at the Canterbury trials on Monday morning that included some interesting unraced youngsters by Zoustar, Zousain and Trapeze Artist, plus a good looking youngster that may see the benefit of gelding.
Irish Oaks Possible for Royal Ascot Fairytale Filly
The biggest story in terms of our audience reads from Royal Ascot last week was by far and away the one on the Aussie owned underdog three year-old filly Cercene, who captured the Group I Coronation Stakes.
One to Watch – Wyong
The juvenile maiden at Wyong on Tuesday had some interesting runners including the highest price yearling by Maurice (Jpn) sold in 2024 and he did take the win, but it was not without drama.
Sires With Winners - Monday June 23
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Waikato Stud Weanling Draft Showcases Super Stallions
After a phenomenal few months for Waikato Stud’s stallion roster, the world-renowned nursery will offer six select progeny of those high-flying sires at this week’s NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka.
Capitalist 2YO Wins for Doyle
Nathan Doyle and his team would be bubbling with excitement surrounding the return of their unbeaten G1 star Private Harry, but as they say ‘little fish are sweet’ and the stable were in the winner’s circle at Wyong on Tuesday with a two year-old son of Capitalist.