Michael Freedman’s talented Savabeel three-year-old Wymark ($2.90 favourite on TAB), unlucky when runner-up in a Super Maiden on this track last start, is set to atone in the Master Builders Insurance Brokers Super Maiden Handicap (1600m) at Newcastle on Saturday.
The New Zealand-bred gelding has had three starts since a spell and his performances in all three have been full of merit.
He was a short-priced favourite first-up at Hawkesbury on December 10 when he came from well back at the top of the straight to finish second, 0.17 lens from the winner over 1300m.
Wymark's run on the Gold Coast during the Magic Millions Carnival on January 6 was super.
He was 16th in a field of 17 at the top of the straight and made up many lengths to finish fourth in a $250,000 Maiden.
At Newcastle last start on February 3, Wymark stepped up to 1500m and he had a cozy run midfield on the rail.
He went for a run behind the leader and a horse on it's outside late in the straight and got chopped out.
Keagan Latham had to check and steer Wymark back to the inside where he hit the line hard to miss by less than a length.
He goes to 1600m for the first time which is ideal, and he draws nicely.
Importantly Freedman has engaged in-form apprentice Zac Wadick to ride Wymark, and his 3kg claim is gold.
Another of Savabeel's progeny Allhallowtide ($5.50) from the John O'Shea stable has bright prospects in the NHS Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m).
The four-year-old's first-up run was at Newcastle on February 3 and it was an eye-catcher. He was back second last in a 1400m event, 10 lengths off the pace at the 1000m.
When in clear running in the straight the gelding just kept grinding away and was strong late. He has been placed in both second-up runs, has barrier one and will appreciate the longer trip.
Alysha Collett retains the ride and Allhallowtide has been placed twice at Newcastle.
Nathan Doyle's Nightcapped ($6.50) is ready to run the 1200m third-up from a spell when he runs in the Group Training Apprentices Midway Maiden Handicap (1200m). He has had two starts at Newcastle for two placings over 900m.
He has drawn ordinary but has enough pace to race on the speed. Sydney racecaller Darren Flindell is a part-owner of Nightcapped.
