4 Win Friday - Savoir Faire Fab

New Zealand Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) nominee Savoir Faire (3 g Savabeel - Etiquette, by O'Reilly) scored deserved success in the $14,000 Mimico Maiden 2000 metres on 23 December at Matamata.

After placing three from three to 1600 metres in Maidens, Savoir Faire stepped up in class for fifth in the Eagle Memorial (Listed, 1500m) on 26 November at Te Rapa, and was expected to appreciate getting up in distance.

Under the guidance of stable rider Opie Bosson, Savoir Faire was fifth at the post with a lap to run, seventh 800m out, and after ranging widest rounding the home turn he asserted dominance inside the final furlong.

On footing upgraded to Soft7, Savoir Faire ran 2000 metres in 2:07.6, last 600m in 36.5, and justified hot favouritism to pay $1.50.

“He's taken a while putting it all together, but getting there now and he's a really nice staying prospect,” said trainer Mark Walker.

Plotting a course towards the NZ Derby, in which his brother Milford finished second in 2021, Walker said Savoir Faire would have his next assignment in the $80k Gingernuts Salver (Listed, 2100m) on Sunday 8 January at Pukekohe.

“Congratulations to all the owners, especially those first timers that are here on course,” said racing manager Reece Trumper.

“He was a bit of a headache as a colt, but he has turned into a racehorse as a gelding and the team at the Colt Barn has done a wonderful job with him.”

Considered the pick of progeny by eight-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel) at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, Savoir Faire was purchased by David Ellis CNZM, from the draft of Ohukia Lodge, and is owned by Te Akau 2021 RTR Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

“He was a staying type, a real Derby type to my eye, when we bought him and the way he found the line over 2000 metres suggests that 2400 metres might be right up his alley,” Ellis said.

“He's been consistent, is continuing to improve, and has a bit of time between now and 4 March when the Derby is staged at Te Rapa.”

Savabeel progeny provided a rare double when Te Akau-trained Noverre (Savabeel) won the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1,1600m) and The Perfect Pink (Savabeel) won the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) last season, while Savabeel success stories for the stable include Group One winners Probabeel, Amarelinha, Hall of Fame, Savy Yong Blonk, Sword of Osman, Cool Aza Beel, Embellish, and Prise De Fer, as well as group winners: Splurge, Gold Fever, and Aotea Lad, while his sire sons include Embellish and Cool Aza Beel.

His dam, Etiquette, is a sister to quadruple Group One winner Sacred Falls (O'Reilly), who, while successful, unfortunately had his time cut short as a stallion at Waikato Stud, when euthanised after producing four crops.

Savoir Faire was strapped by Sarah West.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz