Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones achieved his NZ Cup day training mission when promising 4YO Saveapatrol ran a staggering 3:09 over the mobile 2600m to win the C3 Avon City Ford Mobile Pace.
Saveapatrol and Blair Orange run clear of Donegal’s Guest in the Avon City Ford Mobile Pace on NZ Cup day
Saveapatrol was only 0.5 outside the NZ mark for the journey shared by former Grand Circuit star Desperate Comment, and two-time NZ Cup placegetter Highview Tommy.
He showed his class being timed over his last mile in 1:54.6, quickening over his last 800m in 54.6s and final 400m in 27.4s.
“It was good to seem him run it right out to the finish like that,” Mark said.
“I’m not that worried about Friday with him. That was his NZ Cup today,” he said.
Saveapatrol is joined by winning owner Grant Hatton (light jacket), other connections and sponsors, following the Avon City Ford Mobile Pace.
However, the Christian Cullen gelding unleashed with purpose out wide, winning with authority by two lengths over Donegal’s Guest, with tough sorts, Franco Nattai and Anton Oliver tiring in the run home.
Saveapatrol took his impressive record to seven wins from nine starts for owner Grant Hatton, taking his earnings to $60,411.