Racing
Stronger Savvy Hallie ready for rematch
Benefit of first up run to give Widdup mare competitive edge.
Brad Widdup is looking forward to a rematch with star filly Apocalyptic when Savvy Hallie lines up in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Savvy Hallie emerged as one of the better fillies of her generation as a two-year-old, running second to the likes of Nepotism and Tempted, resuming in the Spring with a dominant maiden win before taking the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m).
A subsequent third placing to Apocalyptic in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) ended Savvy Hallie's campaign, resuming in the $3 million The Sunlight (1100m) at Sunshine Coast on January 10th, where she ran fourth to Grafterburners.
Brad Widdup said the fast tempo over 1100m just saw Savvy Hallie at her top throughout, and a rise to 1200m and beyond this campaign can see her go to a new level.
"That sort of race, they ran 1.02, it was a quick, high pressure sprint race," Widdup said.
"I think she's looking for 1200 (metres) or further possibly now.
"She's come through that really well though, she had a jump out last week, had a gallop Tuesday morning and seems to be in really good order."
Turning the tables on Flight Stakes winner Apocalyptic will be no easy feat, but Widdup is confident Savvy Hallie will be competitive as she then looks to target the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) on February 28th.
"I think she'll be better suited to the sort of speed over 1400 (metres), and she can race up on the speed," Widdup said.
"Look, Apocalyptic is very good, there's no two ways about it, and she seems to have trialled really well, but my filly has done nothing wrong.
"Circumstances in The Sunlight just didn't suit her at all so out to 1200 metres, against her own sex, she should be competitive."
Savvy Hallie is rated a $3.20 chance across all-in Light Fingers Stakes' betting, with Apocalyptic at $1.65.
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