Noverre (NZ) Spectacular in War Decree Stakes

Outstanding looks, a black-type pedigree and a large purchase price at Karaka have given Noverre (NZ) (Savabeel) plenty to live up to on the racetrack, but the exciting colt delivered in style with a superb victory in Saturday’s $90,000 Group Three War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton Park. 

Bred by Chittick Investments and offered by Waikato Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2020, Noverre is by champion sire Savabeel out of the well-bred, stakes-winning mare Magic Dancer (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle). The striking brown colt was bought by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $800,000, the third-highest price of Karaka 2020.

Trained by Jamie Richards for the Te Akau 2020 Stallion Breeding Syndicate, Noverre showed early promise with a win and three placings from his first five starts. But it was in Saturday’s War Decree Stakes that he really announced his arrival on the big stage.

Ridden by Jason Laking, Noverre had to come from near-last and weave his way through traffic in the straight before setting out to try to catch the favourite Field Of Gold (Starspangledbanner). He still had many lengths to make up with under 200m remaining, but Noverre went into overdrive and reeled in the leader, powering past and kicking clear to win by a length and a quarter.

The breathtaking performance has lifted Noverre to the top of fixed-odds betting markets for the $500,000 Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) over the same course and distance on November 6.

“He was quite brilliant winning as he did,” Richards said on Saturday. “He paraded well and looked nice and calm beforehand. He was good in the barriers and got into a nice position.

“Jason let things unfold, and I was really impressed with the way he weaved between runners and ran the mile really strongly.

“Jason knows the horse well, knows what he’s capable of, riding trackwork and giving us a hand. I’m thrilled we’ve been able to repay him with a stakes winner, and we can all look forward to the 2000 Guineas.”

The War Decree Stakes produced a Karaka quinella, with runner-up Field Of Gold offered by Haunui Farm in Book 1 of Karaka 2020 but failing to meet his $100,000 reserve. A half-brother to the New Zealand Derby winner Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock), Field Of Gold has had four starts for two wins and two placings.