Brad Widdup can’t wait for the renewal of rivalry with champion filly Apocalyptic, featuring Savvy Hallie in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) slated for Randwick on Saturday.

Savvy Hallie distinguished herself as a leading filly in her two-year-old cohort, notching up seconds to the likes of Nepotism and Tempted, resuming in spring with a decisive maiden score en route to the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) victory.

She closed out that prep third to Apocalyptic in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m), then returned via the $3 million The Sunlight (1100m) at Sunshine Coast on January 10th for a fourth to Grafterburners.

Widdup commented that the electric pace at 1100m left Savvy Hallie labouring at full stretch, predicting that 1200m trips and further will bring out her best this campaign.

“That sort of race, they ran 1.02, it was a quick, high pressure sprint race,” Widdup said.

“I think she’s looking for 1200 (metres) or further possibly now.

“She’s come through that really well though, she had a jump out last week, had a gallop Tuesday morning and seems to be in really good order.”

It will take something special to upstage Flight Stakes conqueror Apocalyptic, but Widdup trusts Savvy Hallie to perform strongly with the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) on February 28th in sight.

“I think she’ll be better suited to the sort of speed over 1400 (metres), and she can race up on the speed,” Widdup said.

“Look, Apocalyptic is very good, there’s no two ways about it, and she seems to have trialled really well, but my filly has done nothing wrong.

“Circumstances in The Sunlight just didn’t suit her at all so out to 1200 metres, against her own sex, she should be competitive.”

The betting markets for the race are worth a look for Light Fingers Stakes punters seeking value. Savvy Hallie is a $3.20 shot in Light Fingers Stakes all-in betting, Apocalyptic at $1.65.

The post Stronger Savvy Hallie ready for rematch first appeared on Just Horse Racing.