Tulloch Lodge is set to unleash the top two contenders in the early betting for the Up And Coming Stakes, and their racing profiles are quite distinct.
Plagiarism, a seasoned three-year-old, has already competed five times, contrasting with Savagram, who only recently debuted this month with an impressive all-the-way victory at Canterbury.
The pair are scheduled to face off in Saturday’s Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill. Savagram is currently the $4.20 favourite, with Plagiarism close behind at $4.40. Their stablemate, Savvy Diamond, is also considered a strong chance at $10.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott sees merit in both runners, highlighting that Plagiarism has benefited significantly from its first-up third place behind Steel Will at Rosehill earlier this month while carrying 60kg.
“That wasn’t the original first-up run for him. We had him in an easier maiden race option, so the 1300 first-up might have just told late with that weight, but the race had a good bit of depth to it,” Bott said.
“He’ll improve off it. He meets our other filly (Savvy Diamond) much better at the weights and he’s in good order.
“He’s got the benefit of having had a couple of racing seasons and preparations.”
Savagram, a half-brother to the Australian Derby winner and stablemate Major Beel, has demonstrated sufficient talent to be elevated to stakes company for his second career start.
This progressive colt’s pedigree suggests he will likely flourish as he progresses to longer distances, with Bott identifying the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) as a potential long-term objective.
“The Spring Champ could be the grand final we want to try to get to,” he said.
“We are still step by step and we’re going to keep it open and be a bit reactive in terms of where we go with him.
“The important thing is, he’s ready to step up and hopefully that’s what we keep seeing from him each run.”
Savvy Diamond is also a newcomer to the racing scene, having made a successful debut at Goulburn on August 3 before finishing second to Steel Will in her most recent outing.
Bott believes she is still developing and will gain further experience from Saturday’s race as she progresses towards the final two events in the Princess Series.
“Her plan has always been to link back into the Princess Series once they step out to 1400 metres in the Tea Rose (Stakes), and then onto the Flight Stakes,” Bott said.
“She still did a few things wrong last start, so that’s why we wanted to give her a bit more racing experience in this grade before she links in with those better class fillies.
“She’s up and going, she’s got fitness on her side, and she ran well last start.”
Notable past winners of the Up And Coming Stakes include Autumn Glow (2024), Tom Kitten (2023), Snitzel (2005), and Fastnet Rock (2004).
Check out the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds on the Up And Coming Stakes.