Brad Widdup relishes the prospect of facing elite filly Apocalyptic once more, as Savvy Hallie heads into the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick this coming Saturday.
During her two-year-old days, Savvy Hallie shone brightly among her peers, securing seconds behind Nepotism and Tempted, bouncing back in spring with an impressive maiden triumph and later the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m).
A third placing to Apocalyptic in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) marked the end of Savvy Hallie’s previous campaign, with her resuming in the $3 million The Sunlight (1100m) on Sunshine Coast January 10th, running fourth to Grafterburners.
Widdup explained that the furious 1100m speed simply had Savvy Hallie fully extended, and campaigning over 1200m and upwards should see her reach new heights.
“That sort of race, they ran 1.02, it was a quick, high pressure sprint race,” Widdup said.
“I think she’s looking for 1200 (metres) or further possibly now.
“She’s come through that really well though, she had a jump out last week, had a gallop Tuesday morning and seems to be in really good order.”
Flipping the script on Flight Stakes winner Apocalyptic is a big ask, though Widdup is optimistic about Savvy Hallie’s chances ahead of a tilt at the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) on February 28th.
“I think she’ll be better suited to the sort of speed over 1400 (metres), and she can race up on the speed,” Widdup said.
“Look, Apocalyptic is very good, there’s no two ways about it, and she seems to have trialled really well, but my filly has done nothing wrong.
“Circumstances in The Sunlight just didn’t suit her at all so out to 1200 metres, against her own sex, she should be competitive.”
Betting enthusiasts should check the racing betting markets for the Light Fingers Stakes to find the top prices. In all-in Light Fingers Stakes wagering, Savvy Hallie is at $3.20, Apocalyptic $1.65.
The post Stronger Savvy Hallie ready for rematch first appeared on Just Horse Racing.