Fleet footed Hellbent mare Savvy Hallie cracked $1million in prizemoney at Rosehill on Saturday with a dazzling return to form in the Group II ATC Sheraco Stakes (1200m).
The Brad Widdup trained mare was lacklustre when resuming from a spell last month, but had excuses and featured in the steward’s report that day for pulling up lame.
Punters were not prepared to forgive and she went out at 20-1, but with an inspired ride from Nash Rawiller, Savvy Hallie found the front and was never headed.
She fought hard to the line to win by half a length over smart mares Gangsta Granny, Lazzura and Plaintiff, who all hit the line hard.
Brad Widdup was not surprised with the form reversal of Savvy Hallie.
"First-up the other day, she did get slammed out of the gates and went back to the inside which was a no-go zone,” he said.
"There were other things, apparently she was lame but she's not lame today. There was not a thing wrong with her and she has proved that today.
"Nash would have been positive last start if he was allowed to, but it didn't happen and that's racing. She has been perfect since we got her home and it's great to get another win.''
Sold through the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale draft of Baramul Stud for $150,000 to Belmont Bloodstock Agency, Savvy Hallie was then re-offered by Riverstone Lodge at the Inglis Classic yearling sale where she was bought by B K Racing & Breeding Pty Ltd for $320,000.
Savvy Hallie was the most expensive yearling by Hellbent sold in 2024 and has the overall record of four wins and five placings from 13 starts with prizemoney topping $1.1million
A G1 win on the resume would be nice and Widdup is planning along those lines.
"It was good to see her bounce back today. Obviously the Manikato Stakes (G1) is there, plus there are good races here at home and we have got the Invitation ($2million) and things like that, but we will get her home, make sure she is right and go from there,” he said.
"She is a Group 1 horse, no worries there, but that is easier said than done.”
Bred by Gerry Harvey, she is a half-sister to stakes-placed Katoto and is the best of two winners from Rose of Savannah, a winning Fastnet Rock grand-daughter of dual Group I winner Savannah Success, dam of champion sire Savabeel.
Westbury Stud sold the 2YO from Rose of Savannah, a colt by Home Affairs, at Karaka Book 1 this year for $200,000 to Pike Racing.
Rose of Savannah produced a filly last year by Reliable Man (GB) and has foaled this spring, delivering a filly by I Am invincible.
