Savatiano Takes the Rosehill Expressway Home

Making the most of the defection of Champion 3YO colt-elect Ole Kirk from the Gr2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens, talented Godolphin mare Savatiano seized the moment and the opportunity to make very post a winner from the get-go. Bounced straight to the front by Bowman from the rail, Savatiano thwarted the expected attempt by Mizzy to lead. Held together until straightening, Bowman gave the $2.10 favourite progressive rein to provide the Street Cry mare with a soft victory over a game Kolding whose effort augurs well for the autumn. Ever the optimist, trainer James Cummings told AAP after the race that, had he run, Ole Kirk would have had his work cut out to match motors with the winner. Now a 6YO mare who boasts five Group 2 wins, Cummings wants to give Savatiano a shot at earning a Group 1 before the breeding shed beckons. "I think she is well and truly in the right form to have a crack at a Group 1 at her next start," said the Godolphin head trainer. "The Canterbury Stakes is in March so I will probably put her on ice until then so she will be coming into that race fresh."