Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic are poised to renew their rivalry as they prepare to clash for the first time as mares in the upcoming Toy Show Quality at Randwick.
The pair met on three occasions during their three-year-old season, with Apocalyptic initially having the edge over Savvy Hallie in last spring’s Furious Stakes (1200m). However, Savvy Hallie turned the tables in their two autumn encounters, relegating Apocalyptic to second in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and finishing ahead of her in the Surround Stakes (1400m).
Trainer Brad Widdup is not buying into the narrative of a rivalry, stating that they are both classy mares and his horse is ready for her fresh 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 stated.
“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 maintained excellent consistency, with three wins and five placings from eleven starts, including a Group 1 second to Everest runner-up Tempted in the Surround Stakes.
Her sole finish outside the top five was in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) in March, a race where Widdup felt she had reached the end of her preparation and her preferred distance.
As a first-up winner, Widdup has no concerns about her carrying the top weight of 59kg or her barrier draw of 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 said.
“I’m not too worried (about the barrier). I’m pretty happy with her. She’ll get her chance.”
All going well, Savvy Hallie is likely to head to the following month’s Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill for her second-up start, with a potential trip to Melbourne for the Manikato Stakes (1200m) on the cards if she performs to expectations.
“She could go to the Sheraco, and then to Melbourne for the Manikato (Stakes),” Widdup mentioned.
“I’m very happy with her so we’ll see what happens.”
Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic are dominating the early betting for the Toy Show Quality (1100m), with Savvy Hallie priced at $3.80 and Apocalyptic the $2.30 favourite.
The $2 million Manikato Stakes is scheduled for Caulfield on September 27.
Check out the latest sports betting options for the upcoming races.
