Savaria Up in Time for NZ Oaks Win

Savaria gamely drove through a gap in the final 200 meters and won the Wellfield New Zealand Oaks (NZ-I) in tight finish March 14 at Trentham.

The short-priced favorite in a 15-horse field, Savaria got to the line in the nick of time, scoring by three-quarters of length from Platinum Witness, the New Zealand Bloodstock 42nd 1000 Guineas (NZ-I) winner. Charmont was a nose third, and Exquisite Jewel was fourth after both pressed the early pace of Gin Swing, who led into the stretch.

With the field strung out some 12 lengths in the early running, Savaria was settled midfield and hugged the rail after breaking from the inside post with Hayden Tinsley, who patiently waited for an opening when hemmed in entering the lane.

Platinum Witness was up in midstretch to challenge Gin Swing and Charmont. But when Gin Swing weakened, a gap appeared between the leading pair and Tinsely was handy to spear Savaria through to get the victory.

Savaria was timed in 2:29.67 on turf rated as dead. A maiden winner on Jan. 1 at Hastings, the daughter of Savabeel came into the Oaks off a dead-heat for first with Platinum Witness in the Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (NZ-III) Feb. 28 at Hastings. Saturday's win improved her career line to 3-1-1 from six starts for trainer Roydon Bergerson, who credited Tinsley's perfectly judged ride.

"She's improved all the way through and it was a great ride today and that was the winning of the race," Bergerson said.

"I said to Hayden the rail is the shortest way home and to sit and wait."

Savaria was bred in New Zealand by Mrs. J. M. and T. M. Henderson. She is owned by Des and Kay Fleming, who bought her for $110,000 ($92,147) at the 2013 Karaka yearling sale. Bluegables Farm, agent, consigned the filly from the O'Reilly mare Amathea. Second dam Solano is a half sister to 1985 New Zealand Oaks winner Solveig.