Savitri set for stakes progression says Freedman

Mitch Freedman, the Ballarat trainer, anticipates that filly Savitri will progress to Stakes grade in due course, but he's adopting a steady development plan with her currently.

Interstate three-year-old Stakes events loom ahead, prompting Freedman to contemplate journeys away with Savitri post her dominant win in Wednesday's Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath.

Securing victory number two from a mere four appearances, Savitri looks like a filly with significant potential ahead, despite needing further race seasoning according to Freedman.

As the popular $2.50 elect with jockey John Allen aboard, Savitri triumphed by one length from Engine Of War ($6), and Loud Charlie ($2.70) trailed by another length for third.

The filly pressed forward animatedly close to the front early on, with Freedman forecasting growth in her poise over time.

"The problem is with her she is always full of energy," Freedman said.

"She takes all her work at home like it's nothing and we can't seem to get on top of her.

"I'm sure in time, with racing, and that extended work, she will come back underneath herself and race a lot better.

"We've still got good enough hopes for her, but we'll see how she comes through today before deciding what we do with her next."

The Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) next month at Morphettville could be overly ambitious right now, but the Auraria Stakes (1800m) presents a feasible aim, per Freedman.

"It will be a matter how all that works out, but we think she is going to be a really good horse for the stable as a four and five-year-old," Freedman said.

"We are hoping that she can continue to improve her racing manners and if that can happen, she can get to a nice level.

"A mile or 1800-metre race at Stakes level, that is something we could think about, and the Auraria Stakes might be a little target for her.

"It would give her the experience of travel and a trip away and we could test the water at Stakes level, and we're not ruling out travel to Sydney either.

"There's plenty of Stakes races about and we think she's a horse that can get to that level, but it's going to be a matter of time when we dip the toe in the water."

Fans keen on wagering for Savitri in targets such as the Auraria Stakes can review options at leading online bookmakers.