Some of the country’s most promising three-year-olds have taken out the Gr.2 AHD – Animal Health Direct Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) in recent years, and Pam Gerard is hoping Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) can join that esteemed group in Saturday’s contest at Hastings.
Last season’s Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) winner, Savaglee, has returned as a furnished three-year-old who blew away his rivals first-up at Taupo before storming into second behind Poetic Champion in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival.
That performance was more than pleasing for Gerard, who prepares The Oaks Stud-owned colt out of Matamata.
“I’m really happy with him, he’s certainly going in the right direction and he looks super well,” Gerard said.
“He’s been doing things right in his races and settling, he possibly didn’t get the luck of the draw last time.
“I don’t think he needs to do a lot more than he did there, obviously he was running on really well, so it all comes down to draws and a bit of luck in the running. I think that’s all he needs.”
The race has also been a key form reference for past winners of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), with the likes of Pier, Aegon, Catalyst and Madison County going on to take out the New Zealand Cup Week feature.
Gerard holds similar aspirations for Savaglee, while she also has an eye on the race for her colt Suit Yourself, who may appear at the Te Rapa meeting on Friday.
A son of Savile Row, Suit Yourself gained admirers when breaking maidens impressively last month and has accepted into the SJC Foundation 3YO (1200m), with track conditions determining his start.
“He had a few days off after his win and has been a wee while between runs,” Gerard said.
“Originally, our plan was to go to Matamata the following week, but he’s doing super well so we’re just trying to work out the best way to get to these better races.
“I’m a bit unsure whether he’ll run on Friday, but he’s got a good draw and if the track comes back to a slow track, we would consider running.
“He holds a nomination for that race (2000 Guineas) and as many as you can get in a Group One, the better, but he’s probably more of a Derby type of horse.
“But he’ll certainly be given his chance to get to the 2000 Guineas and if he’s good enough, he’ll get there. If he needs more time, he’s got plenty of that up his sleeve.”
A testing surface would pose no issue to stablemate Step In Time, who was luckless in third at his most recent appearance at Matamata and will contest the Craigs Investment Partners 2100.
“He’s had a couple of unlucky runs, when he won he was very good and has been at each run since, just without any favours,” Gerard said.
“He’s drawn out wide again which is not ideal, but if we can get things to go our way, he’ll be right there.”
On Saturday, Gerard will be also paying close attention to the meeting at Riccarton Park, where her consistent mare Cork will step out in distance in the open 2000m event.
The daughter of Complacent was third at her most recent appearance behind talented local Jon Ol Rocco over 1800m, with the potential for a heavy surface a positive for Gerard.
“Surprisingly enough, she actually travelled for the first time in the run last time and she’s doing very well down there,” she said.
“She was possibly a little bit above herself and got there too early last time, but she’s been crying out for 2000m for quite a while so we’re crossing our fingers the rain is coming.
“In her last two starts at Riccarton, the track has just been a little bit too firm for her and she loves it wet.”
Completing her representatives will be last-start winner Tonia’s Dragon, who is nominated for the Rating 75 1200m contest following her success in the lower grade on September 14.
“She’s finally putting it together down there, we sent her there as she has a lot of ability but lacked a lot of confidence,” Gerard said.
“I believe she’s a mare that can really go on with things, but I’m running her in the 75 as I want to keep her at 1200m for the moment. Hopefully she makes the field, but she’s super well and certainly hasn’t taken a back step since winning.
“I think she’ll get the 1400 and further in time, but she’s always done a lot wrong up here. She’s starting to do things right and relax in her races, so eventually she’ll definitely get 1400 if not further.”
