Savile Row (NZ) Heads Karaka Trifecta at Ellerslie

Quality galloper Savile Row (NZ) (Makfi) showed his true colours at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, coming out on top in an all-Karaka finish to the $60,000 Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap (1200m).

The $120,000 Premier Sale purchase had confirmed his class as a three-year-old last season with Group 1 placings in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Levin Classic (1600m) and against older horses in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m).

He had performed below expectations during an Australian campaign, but his first-up sprint win at Ellerslie marked a triumphant homecoming.

“His manners weren’t very good in Australia and we just couldn’t work out why he raced so badly,” co-trainer Mike Moroney said.

“It was just the way they ran their races that saw him pulling hard and over-racing. We tried a few things to settle him down, but it didn’t work, however I do think he’s a far wiser horse now for having had that Australian trip.”

Savile Row dashed home from the rear of the field to score by a nose from Passing Shot (NZ) (Swiss Ace) who is a multiple stakes winner and $330,000 earner and cost just $50,000 at the 2013 Select Sale.

A fast-finishing third was the $200,000 Premier Sale purchase Chambord (NZ) (Zabeel). He has also been a stakes winner and placed in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

Savile Row is expected to head to next month's Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham.

Raced by his breeder Kevin Hickman, he has now had 12 starts for three wins, four placings and more than $277,000 in prizemoney.