The stage is set for a compelling rematch at Randwick as Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic prepare to face off for the first time as mares in the Toy Show Quality.
The pair clashed on three occasions during their three-year-old season. Apocalyptic secured victory in the Furious Stakes (1200m) last spring, but Savvy Hallie reversed the placings in their subsequent autumn contests, finishing ahead of Apocalyptic in both the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and the Surround Stakes (1400m).
Trainer Brad Widdup is not focused on the rivalry aspect, acknowledging that both are high-class mares and expressing confidence in his charge’s readiness for her first-up run.
“I don’t know, but I suppose they’re in that grade where they’ve got to run against each other. Fingers crossed we can beat her,” Widdup commented.
“My horse is great. I couldn’t be happier with her. She’s had a good build-up. She came in nice and early and she’s had a good preparation leading into Saturday.”
Savvy Hallie has demonstrated remarkable consistency, accumulating three wins and five placings from eleven starts, notably a Group 1 second to Everest runner-up Tempted in the Surround Stakes.
Her sole performance outside the top five occurred in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) in March, a run Widdup attributed to her preparation reaching its conclusion and exceeding her preferred distance.
With a history of winning first-up and carrying top weight of 59kg, Widdup remains unconcerned about the impost or the draw from barrier six in the seven-horse field.
“I think you’ve got to excuse her run in the Coolmore Classic and other than that, her form is pretty top notch,” he stated.
“I’m not too worried (about the barrier). I’m pretty happy with her. She’ll get her chance.”
Following the Toy Show Quality, Savvy Hallie is slated to contest the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill next month for her second-up run. Should she perform as expected, a trip to Melbourne for further racing is a distinct possibility.
“She could go to the Sheraco, and then to Melbourne for the Manikato (Stakes),” Widdup explained.
“I’m very happy with her so we’ll see what happens.”
Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic are the leading contenders in the early betting for the Toy Show Quality (1100m), with Savvy Hallie at $3.80 and Apocalyptic the $2.30 favourite.
The Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) is scheduled for Caulfield on September 27.
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