Oaks winner takes out Group 3 Wellington Cup
SAVARIA hadn’t produced much on the track since winning the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham as a three-year-old, but two years later the mare was back winning the $250,000 Group 3 Wellington Cup.
The daughter of Savabeel showed its staying prowess when fighting out the 3200-metre distance alongside race-favourite Jacksstar in the closing stages.
Jockey Hayden Tinsley was able to get the most out of the five-year-old to kick underneath Jacksstar which made its run from the tail of the field.
“I had faith in the mare, she’s gone some handy races this year,” Tinsley said. She been working really good since her last start.
“I rated her a good chance, but I would have liked to been handier – at the 1000m they started swooping, so I peeled out at the straight and a good tough run to the line.”
Tinsley was aboard the mare when it won the Oaks and admits it has been disappointing since, which included a run in the ATC Oaks at Randwick.
“I won the Group one Oaks on this mare, shes been disappointing since then, but she’s a definite stayer.”
Trainer Roydon Bergerson stated the $14.80 chance at Bet365 had its doubters since winning the Oaks, but he was more confident going into Saturday’s Wellington Cup.
“It’s great. She’s had a few knockers along the way, but she’s a good mare,” Bergerson said.
“She’s a good mare, we always knew she wanted the ground and she got it today.
“The lead-up runs have all been great.
“I was a lot happier today than going into the Oaks.”
Bergerson had a few nervous moments heading into the straight, but a strong ride got the job done.
“Coming to the corner she got pushed back, but it was a good ride, patient and got the last run at them.”
Jacksstar closed gamely after tailing the field throughout and Perfect Start ran its best race for sometime when finishing third at odds of $13 to place.