Pitmans eye group 1 races with talented Savvy Coup

WELLINGTON: Savvy southern trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman are gunning for two group 1 Trentham features.

The Yaldhurstbased fatherandson team have eyes for the Levin Classic (1600m) on January 13 and the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on March 17.

The filly they have the highest hopes for is Savvy Coup, who, at Awapuni on Saturday, produced a dynamic performance to win the group 3 Eulogy Stakes over 1500m.

The daughter of Savabeel lowered the colours of the favourite, Dijon Bleu, who had previously finished runnerup in the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton.

‘‘We’ve always had confidence in the filly. Very happy with the result,’’ Matthew Pitman said after their success.

Savvy Coup was impressive when winning twice during the New Zealand Cup carnival and at the Trentham meeting a week earlier ran second over 1400m. She was ridden by Chris Johnson on all three occasions, but he had commitments at Te Rapa on Saturday.

‘‘I was disappointed Chris wasn’t on — we’ve had a great association — but I was so pleased to get Michael McNab,’’ Michael Pitman said.

‘‘I consider him the best rider here today.’’

Savvy Coup settled back off midfield and when Dijon Bleu made her move, McNab tracked her into the race and they finished too well in the closing 200m.

‘‘I said to Matt at the 600m mark that the filly only needs a bit of luck, she was travelling that well,’’ Pitman said.

Waikato Stud will offer a brother to Savvy Coup at the Book 1 sale of yearlings at Karaka next month. — NZ Racing Desk.