Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic are set to renew their rivalry when they meet for the first time as mares in the upcoming Toy Show Quality at Randwick.
The pair crossed paths three times as three-year-olds, with Apocalyptic initially getting the better of Savvy Hallie in the Furious Stakes (1200m) last spring. However, Savvy Hallie turned the tables in their two autumn encounters, securing second place for her rival in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and winning the Surround Stakes (1400m).
Trainer Brad Widdup is not concerned with the notion of a rivalry, emphasizing that both are talented mares and his charge is ready for her fresh performance.
“I don’t know, but I suppose they’re in that grade where they’ve got to run against each other. Fingers crossed we can beat her,” Widdup remarked.
“My horse is great. I couldn’t be happier with her. She’s had a good build-up. She came in nice and early and she’s had a good preparation leading into Saturday.”
Savvy Hallie has been exceptionally consistent, recording three victories and five placings from eleven starts, including a Group 1 second to Tempted, the Everest runner-up, in the Surround Stakes.
Her only outing where she finished outside the top five was in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) in March, a race where Widdup felt she had reached the end of her campaign and her preferred distance.
Having won first-up previously, Widdup has no reservations about her carrying the top weight of 59kg or her wide draw in barrier six of seven.
“I think you’ve got to excuse her run in the Coolmore Classic and other than that, her form is pretty top notch,” he commented.
“I’m not too worried (about the barrier). I’m pretty happy with her. She’ll get her chance.”
Following the Toy Show Quality, Savvy Hallie is expected to contest the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill for her second-up run. If she performs well, a trip to Melbourne for the Manikato Stakes (1200m) is a consideration.
“She could go to the Sheraco, and then to Melbourne for the Manikato (Stakes),” Widdup said.
“I’m very happy with her so we’ll see what happens.”
Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic are at the forefront of the early betting for the Toy Show Quality (1100m), with Savvy Hallie priced at $3.80 and Apocalyptic the $2.30 favourite.
The $2 million Manikato Stakes takes place at Caulfield on September 27.
Compare the latest racing odds on Australian betting sites.