Dominant wins in Oaks and Derby trials

4 min read

Savoie (Ilovethiscity) and Greysful Glamour (Stratum) have put their names forward for the Flemington classics after their impressive victories in the Derby and Oaks Trials respectively on Wednesday.

Savoie, having just his fifth start, sat outside the early speed in the AAMI Victoria Derby Trial (1800m) and bolted clear late in the event to win by a widening four lengths from Tolemac (Camelot {GB}) and Approach Discreet (Dawn Approach {IRE}).

His odds for the G1 Victoria Derby in November plummeted after the win which came off the back of a five-length maiden win at Swan Hill.

"He's a beautiful horse and you can see how he lengthens. I was quite confident that if he took up a forward position, he'll take some running down." - Weir stable representative, Darryn Murphy

Stable representative for Darren Weir, Darryn Murphy, said the horse just keeps on improving with every run.

"There's not many horses that every time you see them in the mounting yard, they look like they own the place and he has just really relished Darren's training," Murphy said.

"He's a beautiful horse and you can see how he lengthens. I was quite confident that if he took up a forward position, he'll take some running down."

Murphy has every confidence the horse will handle the progression to the 2500m of the Victoria Derby on November 3.

"He's been able to handle everything that Darren has asked of him. As long as that doesn’t change, he’ll get the distance for sure."

Savoie breaking his maiden with a five-length win at Swan Hill

Jockey Dean Yendall was also full of praise for the colt.

"It's a big step-up from a Swan Hill maiden to this so all the other horses have got to do the same thing but he took it in his stride and pretty well brained them," Yendall said.

"Obviously he's still learning the caper. He's still young and immature but taking everything in his stride. He's just a pleasure to ride."

Savoie is home-bred by the Efthim family from the mare Larrisar (Street Cry {Ire}), who has had four foals to the track for three winners.

Greysful Glamour was just as impressive in the Kennedy Oaks Trial, winning by 3.25l after also sitting on the outside of the pace.

Ridden by Tim Clark and coming off a last-start third in the G3 Spring S. at Newcastle, she strode clear to beat Yulong Meteor (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) and Pressure (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}).

"She's pretty laid back and casual and probably hasn't got a brilliant turn of foot or anything but she's very tough and she gives her all and it will take her a long way." - Jockey, Tim Clark on Greysful Glamour

Clark was delighted with how Greysful Glamour responded and is looking forward to her getting towards the Kennedy Oaks later in the spring.

"She's a really tough little filly and it was a good plan by Mark (Newnham, the trainer) to target this race," he said.

Greysful Glamour winning at Flemington

"She's pretty laid back and casual and probably hasn't got a brilliant turn of foot or anything but she's very tough and she gives her all and it will take her a long way."

"She rests in a race, which is really important for stayers when they are getting over a trip. She rests and has got good tactical speed and can take up a position."

Greysful Glamour is likely to stay in Melbourne and contest the G3 Ethereal S. at Caulfield on October 20.

She was a $90,000 buy by Darby Racing at the 2017 Easter Sales and her younger sister by Hinchinbrook was also bought by Darby at this year's Magic Millions.

Greysful Glamour as a yearling

Her dam Rippled (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}) is from a three-quarter sister to Always First (GB) and Dubai Success (GB), a family which also includes Chris Waller's multiple stakes-winner Libran (Ire).

Meanwhile, Michael Walker was very impressed with second-placed Yulong Meteor, who had to swoop around the field before finishing second,

"The Oaks is two runs away, look out then," he said.

Yulong Meteor's granddam Magical Miss (Danhill {USA}) won the 2001 VRC Oaks, while her dam Gioe (Hussonet {Ire}) finished fifth in the 2011 edition.