Savatoxl has zest for G1 Winterbottom Stakes
Trainer Will Savage maintains Savatoxl is showing enthusiasm and a zest for racing as he prepares for a first up tilt at the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Alice Springs-based Will Savage is looking for further interstate success with Savatoxl, the well-travelled Kuroshio gelding a multiple black-type winner in Adelaide and Melbourne.
In 2021, Savatoxl reached a career peak to win the Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville and the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield for trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
The eight-year-old has not raced since The Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley in September when according to Savage he had excuses running 11th to Pinstriped.
Savatoxl’s final campaign run belied his earlier preparation when he won the Group 3 McKay Stakes (1100m) for a second time and placed in two other stakes races in Adelaide.
Savage says his veteran is going as well as he can ahead of his Perth debut in the Winterbottom Stakes.
He believes Savatoxl is fit and sound and raring to go.
“He’s going pretty good and is a good horse,” Savage said to the Races WA.
“We haven’t had much luck in quite a few of his recent races.
“If you look through it he’s drawn wide, but has still been competitive.
“He’s an honest horse who has a bit of ability.
“He’s going well, is sound and still keen to race.
“I just have to keep going while he’s like that.
“It doesn’t matter how old he is, the horse hasn’t faulted over the year.
“He’s still putting the times in track work and is still as keen as ever
“Jockeys are still swinging on him when he’s working.
“He hasn’t changed a bit, just matured.”
Unlike other interstate raiders who took a direct flight from Sydney to Perth, Savatoxl travelled the long road for the Winterbottom.
The float trip from Alice Springs to his base in Bunbury took five days and covered 4230km via Port Augusta in South Australia.
Savage said Savatoxl, who is well versed in travelling, handled the trip in his stride.
“I wanted to get here early so he could get over it sort of thing,” Savage said.
“It didn’t take much out of him, I was quite happy with the way he travelled and pulled up.
“He got over it well and everything is on track.”
Fresh from her first Group 1 ride on Mojo Rhythm in the Railway Stakes, Holly Watson will back up on Savatoxl in the Winterbottom Stakes.
Savage was keen to book Watson and says her pattern of riding will suit Savatoxl.
“She’s proved herself that she can judge pace,” Savage said.
“She’s not scared to go to the front.
“He doesn’t have to lead, but he has to be up there with them.
“He’ll roll along and if he’s good enough he’ll take some beating.”
Savage will hope the trend of interstate horses doing well in the Winterbottom Stakes can continue.
In the past 15 years 10 of the interstaters have been successful in plundering Perth’s rich feature sprint.
Paulele for James Cummings and the Godolphin team was successful a year ago when he circled the field from last.
Savatoxl has won 19 races and placed on seven other occasions from 44 starts for $1.3 million in prize money.
Savatoxl also holds an entry for the $1.5 million Damien Oliver-Gold Rush (1400m) on December 16.
The barrier draw for the Winterbottom Stakes will be conducted at a breakfast at Ascot on Tuesday morning.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...