Savile Row to start in G1 Herbie Dyke Stakes after Thorndon Mile
The four-year-old will head to Trentham on Saturday week for the Group 1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) and he will then attempt to go one better in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 20.
“He came through his race exceptionally well the other day so he’s ready for Wellington,” said Pam Gerard, who trains in partnership with Michael Moroney.
She was referring to Savile Row’s impressive win in the Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie. His Boxing Day success marked his return from a lengthy break.
“I thought a few of the others may have been a bit too quick for him, but nothing surprises me with this horse,” Gerard said.
“The plan has always been the Herbie Dyke for him after he went so well last year.”
Savile Row finished runner-up to Volkstok’n’barrell as a three-year-old and he also ran second in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m).
Meanwhile, the stable will have a quartet of runners at their home meeting at Matamata on Friday with the genuine Kane (Pike Racing 2000m) and Ivette (Maara Grange Rehabilitation 1200m) rated their best chances.
“Kane has unfortunately drawn wide, but it’s her home track and she missed a race at Thames,” Gerard said.
The Darci Brahma mare has placed in 10 of her 16 starts and she has earned a cheque in each of her last six appearances.
“She should have won two or three, all she needs is a bit of luck for an overdue win,” Gerard said.
“Ivette is nothing special but she tries hard, does everything right and she’s got a good draw.