He’s a full brother to an Australian Derby winner, but debutant Savagram has shown a stylish turn of foot to win over a sprint trip at Canterbury, booking his place on Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s spring carnival team.
By renowned sire of stayers Savabeel, Savagram is the younger sibling of barn mate and 2023 Derby winner Major Beel, and Bott believes he has his share of talent.
“He’s probably a stronger type than Major Beel,” Bott said.
“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.”
Tim Clark took Savagram ($2.70) straight to the front and the colt was able to quicken again on the corner to post a comfortable 1-1/2 length win over Cantero ($9) in Wednesday’s Captivant @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1200m) with Threads ($6.50) another 1-3/4 lengths away third.
Bott hasn’t locked in a program for the winner, but says the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in October shapes as an ideal race.
“No specific target yet, but all those three-year-old races will be in contention,” he said.
“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 produced a promising three-year-old in Wanda’s Spark ($2.70), who could also progress to better company after leading throughout to defeat Affari ($13) in the TAB Handicap (1200m).
Stable representative Ben Duckworth says they regard the filly highly and she could head towards the second leg of the Princess Series, the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m), at Randwick on September 5.
“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.”
