She first came to prominence at Trentham in 2015 when she won the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks and now she has added the Gr.3 Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup to her record in the capital.
While Savaria's form has been largely patchy in between times, trainer Roydon
Bergerson had been in a confident pre-Cup mood."It's a great feeling and we've had a few knockers, but she's a very good mare and her lead-up runs had all been good," he said.
Raced by Taranaki couple Des and Kay Fleming, Savaria was ridden by Hayden Tinsley who had also been aboard the daughter of Savabeel in the Oaks.
"I was a bit worried coming to the corner, but it was a patient ride and they got the last run at them," Bergerson said.
"It's great for Des and Kay, they're wonderful people."
Savaria settled back of midfield and she took advantage of runs near the fence to move into contention across the top before finishing off resolutely in the run home.
"I got bit worried coming to the 1000 metre mark when they started swooping, but I got the inside runs," Tinsley said.
"She had been working well since she last raced and I really rated her chances."
A half-brother to Savaria (Lot 523) by Niagara will feature in Trelawney Stud's draft to NZ Bloodstock's upcoming Select Sale.
The favourite Jacksstar came from the tail end of the field to run second with Perfect Start, who placed in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup in the spring, taking third money from last year's Oaks winner Fanatic. – NZ Racing Desk.
