Well-related Savabeel colt Savagram stamped himself as a three-year-old of considerable promise with an impressive debut victory at Canterbury on Wednesday, putting himself in the frame for a potential tilt at the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt showed an impressive turn of foot to win the Captivant @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1200m), despite being bred to stretch over further.
Savagram is a full-brother to Major Beel, who won the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) for the Waterhouse-Bott stable in 2023, and Bott believes the younger sibling possesses a potent blend of speed and stamina.
“He’s probably a stronger type than Major Beel,” Bott said.
“Maybe he’s got that little bit more acceleration and speed, so whether that opens up a few more options for him.
“He quickened up nicely and that’s what he’s always shown. He’s got a bit of class for a horse that has got a bit of stamina. He’s got speed and a turn of foot to go with it.”
Tim Clark sent Savagram straight to the lead and the $2.70 favourite travelled comfortably before putting the race beyond doubt with a sharp acceleration around the home turn.
He went on to score by a length and a half from Cantero ($9), with Threads ($6.50) another length and three-quarters away in third.
Bred by Waikato Stud, Savagram is out of the O’Reilly mare Gram, who in addition to Major Beel has also produced another full sibling in the Roger James and Rober Wellwood-trained Group Three winner Solid Gold.
Savagram was sold by Waikato Stud for A$325,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, with Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick retaining an ownership interest in the colt.
Bott is yet to lock in a program for Savagram, but said the A$2 million Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick in late October could be on his radar.
“No specific target yet, but all those three-year-old races will be in contention,” Bott said.
“I do think he’ll be of that quality. We could try to take him through to a Spring Champion, they’d be lovely races for him.” - NZ Racing Desk
