SAVEAPATROL TO HEAD SOUTH AFTER WINNING QUALIFIER
Saveapatrol, untroubled to win his Addington qualifier on Monday, December 3, 2012, in 2:32.2 for the mobile 2000m, is to head south for his early racing this month.
“He’ll qualify down there for the Southern Supremacy,” said Burnham trainer Mark Jones.
The Christian Cullen gelding, also Harness plus eligible, was shaping as his best 2YO in the stable last term, until problems arose.
Mark says it may have been a blessing he had to be put aside.
Bred by Australian Peter Chambers from the good Falcon Seelster mare Rondel Franco (1:51.6, US, 37 wins incl. 36 in America for $684,003), Saveapatrol was on-sold by Mr Chambers to fellow stable client Grant Hatton, after being found to have hock and knee problems.
“He had bone chips taken off his hocks and has his knees operated on as well,” Mark said.
“When we got him vetted the vets said he was a risk, but Peter Chambers was happy to let him go as not many would have bought him with those faults.”
“His knees look good now but he’s got short legs for his body. He was a colt when Grant bought him but we had to geld him because he was going to be too top-heavy.”
Saveapatrol was unhurried early from a wide gate in Monday’s qualifier, settling at the rear of the six horse line-up.
Mark had him rolling at the 1200m, taking control at the 900m and he was too good over the closing stages, coming clear by four lengths from Cheyenne Warrior.
He rated 2:02.7 for the mobile 2000m, quickening over his last 800m in 58.2s and his final 400m in 29.2s.
Mark is also to send Itz Nosurprisesthere on the south circuit, along with either Christian Seel or Jolene Franco, the latter two also trialling on Monday.
Itz Nosurprisesthere was freshened after running a sound fifth in Adore Me’s NZ record run over 1700m (1:55.3 mile rate) in a Forbury Sires Stakes Fillies Heat on October 21.
The McArdle filly will look to qualify for the Southland Oaks.
“Regan will also probably send Strata Star and Champagne Driller south, so we’ll have a bit of a team going,” he said.
Christian Seel led up from a stand to easily beat three others in the one or more wins handicap pace.
She ran the 2600m in 3:26.1, quickening over her last 800m in 59.8s to run three lengths clear of Lady Lizzie and Montenegro.
By Jeff Scott