Well-bred juvenile son of Savabeel breaks his maiden over 1200 metres

The Jamie Richards-trained Noverre (Savabeel) impressed when breaking his maiden over 1200 metres at Wanganui on Friday. Sent off the $1.40 favourite, the son of Savabeel (Zabeel) scored a length and a half victory over Martina Diva (Swiss Ace) in a time of 1:13.00. 

A NZ$800,000 buy by David Ellis from the draft of Waikato Stud at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka 2020 Book 1 sale, Noverre was having his second start on Friday having finished runner-up at Matamata last month. 

“He drew a nice barrier (1), showed gate speed, but when they came to pressure him Opie (Bosson) did the right thing and took a hold,” Richards said.

“It was a good education and I think he’ll improve a lot for the trip away and a win. I liked the way he got back, got the outside and finished it off. He wanted to be there and wanted to attack the line. I think that’s a really good attribute for young colts like this to possess.”

Richards believes that he will make a nice three-year-old. 

“He’s a colt we’ve loved since first seeing him prior to the yearling sales and Dave picked him out as one of the best Savabeel colts in the sale that year,” Richards said.

“He’s a beautiful horse, very athletic, short back and moves really well, and he’s quality from head to toe.

“We’ve got some great owners in him and he’s the type to keep developing into a lovely three-year-old.

“I’m not sure where he sits at the moment amongst the two-year-olds, but next season he’s a really nice 2000 Guineas sort of colt.”

Noverre becomes the first winner out of Group 3 winning mare Magic Dancer (Rip Van Winkle) who is herself one of eight winners out of dual Listed winner Dazzling Belle (Desert Sun). This is also the family of last year’s Frank Packer Plate (Gr 3, 2000m) winner Kinane (Reliable Man).