Savvy Hallie ready for Apocalyptic rematch in Light Fingers Stakes

Trainer Brad Widdup is looking forward to a renewed clash with champion filly Apocalyptic when Savvy Hallie lines up in Saturday’s Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

Savvy Hallie established herself among the leading fillies of her generation with placings behind Nepotism and Tempted before resuming in the spring with a maiden victory that preceded her win in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m).

She finished that preparation with a third placing behind Apocalyptic in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) before returning in the $3 million The Sunlight (1100m) at the Sunshine Coast on January 10, where she finished fourth to Grafterburners.

Widdup said the high-pressure tempo of that race did not suit the filly and expects her to improve over longer distances this campaign.

“That sort of race, they ran 1.02, it was a quick, high pressure sprint race,” Widdup said.

“I think she’s looking for 1200 (metres) or further possibly now.

“She’s come through that really well though, she had a jump out last week, had a gallop Tuesday morning and seems to be in really good order.”

Apocalyptic, the winner of the Group 1 Flight Stakes, shapes as the runner to beat, but Widdup is confident Savvy Hallie can measure up with the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) on February 28 also on the radar.

“I think she’ll be better suited to the sort of speed over 1400 (metres), and she can race up on the speed,” he said.

“Look, Apocalyptic is very good, there’s no two ways about it, and she seems to have trialled really well, but my filly has done nothing wrong.

“Circumstances in The Sunlight just didn’t suit her at all so out to 1200 metres, against her own sex, she should be competitive.”

Savvy Hallie is rated a $3.20 chance in all-in betting for the Light Fingers Stakes, with Apocalyptic the $1.65 favourite.