The Savabeel gelding Adelaide Ace looked a stakes-winner in waiting when a last start third in the Group II Autumn Stakes won by Microphone, however, there was a touch of irony in his win over the Rebel Raider gelding Nonconformist in Saturday’s $200,000 Group II Caulfield Autumn Classic (1800m).
Adelaide Ace’s owner, Dr Goel, was also a part-owner of Rebel Raider.
Winner of the Derby Trial at Flemington last September, Adelaide Ace was on the market but failed to find a buyer.
“Thanks to Dr Goel for giving me the horse and not selling him on me after being offered up to four times his sales price, thank goodness he windsucks is all I can say,” Smith said.
“He’(Goel) will be very good if I have a heart attack at least I’m hanging out with the right crew.
“We haven’t worked out where we will go next we will have a look and see.’
Smith said the Group II WATC Derby (2400m) on April 11 and Group 1 SA Derby (2500m) are realistic options for the son of Savabeel.
Ridden by John Allen for trainer Lindsey Smith, Adelaide Ace led all the way in defeating Nonconformist by one and a quarter lengths with Legion Of Merit (Alamosa) three lengths back in third.
Allen said it all worked out beautifully for him.
“It was a nice even tempo, he relaxed beautifully and gave a good kick when I needed him to,” Allen said.
A brother to the multiple Group III-placed filly Savy Yong Blonk, Adelaide Ace is also a three-quarter brother to Group III ATC Gloaming Stakes-winner Strike The Stars who was runner-up in the Group 1 VRC Australian Guineas.
Bred by Gartshore Bloodstock, Adelaide Ace is the second foal of the unraced Pins mare Ampin who began her broodmare career in New Zealand before being imported to Australia in 2017.
She has an unraced 2yo Savabeel colt named Auron who is in training with Tony Gollan, and a yearling colt by Sebring that is in the Edinglassie Stud draft heading to the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale as Lot 320.
Ampin was covered by Churchill (IRE) last spring.
Adelaide Ace becomes the 98th stakes-winner for Waikato Stud’s champion stallion Savabeel.
