A full brother to an Australian Derby winner, debutant Savagram has impressed with a stylish turn of foot over a sprint distance at Canterbury, earning a place on Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s spring carnival team.
By the renowned sire Savabeel, Savagram is the younger sibling of stablemate and 2023 Derby champion Major Beel. Bott believes the colt has inherited considerable talent.
“He’s probably a stronger type than Major Beel,” Bott remarked. “Maybe he’s got that little bit more acceleration and speed so whether that opens up a few more options for him. He quickened up nicely and that what’s he always shown. He’s got a bit of class for a horse that has got a bit of stamina. He’s got speed and a turn of foot to go with it.”
Savagram ($2.70), ridden by Tim Clark, was taken to the front and responded well on the turn to record a comfortable 1-1/2 length victory over Cantero ($9) in Wednesday’s Captivant @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1200m). Threads ($6.50) finished third.
Bott has not yet finalised a program for the winner, but he indicated that the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in October is a fitting target.
“No specific target yet, but all those three-year-old races will be in contention,” he stated. “I do think he’ll be of that quality. We could try to take him through to a Spring Champion, they’d be lovely races for him.”
Michael Freedman also unveiled a promising three-year-old in Wanda’s Spark ($2.70), who led throughout to defeat Affari ($13) in the TAB Handicap (1200m), suggesting she too could progress to higher-calibre races.
Ben Duckworth, representing the Freedman stable, expressed confidence in the filly and mentioned the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 5, the second leg of the Princess Series, as a potential target.
“We were confident bringing her here today that she could execute and perform well,” Duckworth said. “Assuming she pulls up well, a race like the Furious Stakes in a couple of weeks’ time could be an option for her. We’ll get her home and see how she gets through the run.”
With the Spring Champion Stakes on the horizon for Savagram, check out the latest Australian betting sites for the best racing odds.