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New Zealand Oaks-winning Savabeel filly could be set for trip across the Tasman
Saturday’s New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Amarelinha (Savabeel) could now head across the Tasman with trainer Jamie Richards eyeing a tilt in the Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) for the daughter of Savabeel (Zabeel).
After the deluge of rain Sydney received last week, officials elected to push the card back by a full week, with the knock-on effect that all of the feature race days in Sydney through the autumn will be run a week later than scheduled.
“It was certainly a shame for them that they got the rain they did and had to postpone Saturday’s meeting,” Richards said.
“It didn’t really have too much effect on us as we are going to stick to the plans we had made for our horses before the shift in the carnival dates was announced.
“In my experience if you start to alter things too much, that is when problems can occur.
“We will assess when our horses fly over, but in some cases the delay could be a good thing.
“If Amarelinha goes over to tackle the Australian Oaks that extra week will be of benefit as it allows her a few more days to recover from her exertions at Trentham.
“She is one that definitely needs a good track so that factor will have a bearing on whether we go or not.”
Meanwhile, star mare Melody Belle (Commands), who landed a record-breaking 14th Group 1 in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) on March 13, is still on track to tackle the HE Tancred Stakes (Gr 1, 2400m) which will now be run on April 3.
“We will also stick to our original plan with Melody Belle who will race in the Tancred Stakes next.
“That will give her three weeks between runs which is just perfect for her and she is one that will appreciate some give in the ground if the wet weather sticks around.”
Richards also confirmed that both multiple Group 1 winner Avantage (Fastnet Rock) and Cornflower Blue (Savabeel) - who finished third stablemate Need I Say More (No Nay Never) in the Wellington Guineas (Gr 2, 1400m) on Saturday - would now head to New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at Te Aroha on April 10, with Avantage likely to have an exhibition gallop between races at Matamata before then.
