Trainer Stephen McKee brought up a winning double for syndicators Go Racing at Tauranga on Wednesday with Lord Ardmore (NZ) (Reliable Man) and Savappiel (NZ) (Savabeel).
Three-year-old colt Lord Ardmore was having this third career start after placing at Tauranga last month.
Under a positive ride from Sam Spratt, Lord Ardmore travelled in a handy position for the trip before letting down in the straight to win by a neck from consistent mare Always Sacred, who is yet to run out of the money in each of her five starts.
McKee said the son of Reliable Man benefited from a step up in distance and he was pleased with the effort.
“It was good to see him progress from his first up run,” McKee said. “I thought he was unlucky not to run second last start.
“The step up to 1400m helped and he finished strongly against some older horses.”
Lord Ardmore holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 48th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) though a trip south is yet to be confirmed.
“We are undecided at this stage,” McKee said. “There are a few options and if he doesn’t head to Riccarton then there is no need to rush him.”
McKee, who trains out of his Ardmore property, is taking no credit for the promising colt’s name though he said he might change his mind if the colt continues to impress.
“I don’t think he is named after me but if he keeps winning I might have to say he is,” McKee said.
Later in the day Savappiel delivered a brave effort to win the Tauranga Event Centre Venue Hire 1600 under a front-running Sam Spratt ride.
Despite being challenged in the straight, the daughter of Savabeel went on to win by a long head to clear maiden ranks in style.
“She was good,” McKee said. “She had a bit of space between her runs because of track conditions and it was a good progression.
“It wasn’t the plan to lead but she did well and was challenged down the straight and finished strongly.
“We don’t have any set plans for her but she will probably stay in rating 65 company in a few weeks’ time.”
