"SAVVY" READY FOR PREMIERE PERFORMANCE
Hawkesbury’s leading trainer has dismissed any concerns that the mare’s setback in winning the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens three weeks ago won’t have her in top shape for the $1m Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at weight-for-age.
Savvy Hallie’s regular rider Nash Rawiller continues a successful association with her.
The classy Hellbent four-year-old was galloped on behind in the winning the Sheraco against her own sex, and cost her the chance to chase Group 1 glory in last Sunday’s Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
“Whilst we bypassed the Manikato, Savvy Hallie didn’t really miss much work,” Widdup said this morning.
“She is in great order, and I’m looking forward to getting her back to the races.
“I’m very confident she will run well tomorrow.”
As with the Sheraco when she started at $20 and led throughout, Savvy Hallie has again been overlooked in pre-post betting.
She was at $21 with TAB.com.au this morning, with Tempted a dominant $1.55 hotpot.
But it should be remembered that Savvy Hallie stretched Tempted’s neck as three-year-olds in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick in late February.
Savvy Hallie was at $10 that day, and Tempted was the $1.60 favorite.
“Savvy Hallie likes to bowl along in front as she did when Tempted just got her in the Surround, and again when she won the Sheraco,” Widdup said.
“They probably won’t lead her lead tomorrow, but she will be up there.
“Savvy Hallie is at the top level now, but she’s pretty good in her own right.”
Whilst there has been mention about The Everest, Widdup says that talk arises every week now when horses run in feature sprints with many spots yet to be filled for the $20m October 17 sprint.
“There are plenty of options with Savvy Hallie,” Widdup said.
“I would really like to get an invite to run in The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick a week after The Everest.”
Widdup won the inaugural running of the $2m Group 2 feature for fillies and mares with Icebath in 2021.
Other Hawkesbury trainers with Royal Randwick runners tomorrow are:
Fabio Martino (All Star, Race 1);
Jason Attard (Prefer Diamonds, Race 1);
Terry Croft (Aniston, Race 3);
Ed O’Rourke (Power Broker, Race 4);
Alex Lemarie (Parisest Magic, Race 6).
