History to repeat with trans-Tasman double?
Michael and Matthew Pitman are following an historically-proven path to Australian Group I glory with their top filly Savvy Coup.
The Riccarton trainers have taken note of events of recent seasons in planning the programme of their classy daughter of Savabeel, who will strip at the top of her game for Saturday’s Group I Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.
Savvy Coup is a last-start winner of the Group III Lowland Stakes (2100m) and she has improved since that emphatic victory at Hastings, according to Michael Pitman.
‘‘She’s stayed at Trentham all the way through and been working
"She's stayed at Trentham all the way through and been working very well on the course proper so it's like her home track."
Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman
very well on the course proper so it’s like her home track.
‘‘We’ve been really happy with her, she won the Lowland in her first run for five weeks and first over ground,’’ Pitman said.
‘‘History shows the Lowland to be a very good race and there are direct flights out of Christchurch to Sydney and she’s booked to go on April 4. Both Bonneval and Sophia Rosa ran in the Lowland Stakes, the Oaks here and then won the Australian Oaks – it’s the right way to go.’’
Savvy Coup has drawn barrier 13 for the Oaks but remains a strong favourite at $3.40 ahead of Treasure, Milseain and Contessa Vanessa on the second line of betting at $7.80.
Before Trentham, the Pitman partnership will be banking on Prince Ransom (Ecolab 1600m) and Mahana (New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Pearl Series 1400m) to continue the stable’s hot trot at Ashburton today.
Meanwhile, Scott Base might be at a distance short of his best on Saturday, but other factors will be in his favour at Trentham. The Karaka Million (1600m) winner will return to action in the Group II Phill Cataldo Bloodstock Wellington Guineas (1400m) following an injury that forced him to miss the Group I NZ Derby (2400m).
‘‘He’s nice and fresh and he’s drawn well, he’s got a good turn of foot and Trentham will suit him,’’ said Johno Benner, who trains the Dalghar gelding with partner Hollie Wynyard.
Scott Base had been among the Derby favourites after coming from the back of the field to finish fourth in the Group II Avondale Guineas (2100m) at his last appearance.
‘‘He had a bruised heel after that, but he’s freshened up really well and he’s bright and bubbly,’’ Benner said. – NZ Racing Desk.