Favourite Savaria has benefited from a fantastic rails run to win the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham.
Savaria settled midfield on the fence for jockey Hayden Tinsley but looked like she might find interference in the straight.
But Tinsley managed to find a path on the rail and burst clear to defeat 1000 Guineas winner Platinum Witness and the consistent Charmont.
Savaria, by leading Waikato Stud sire Savabeel, was favourite after dead-heating with Platinum Witness in the Lowland Stakes two weeks ago.
The filly’s Awapuni trainer Roydon Bergeson said he told owner Des Fleming from the day she arrived in the stable that she showed ability.
“From day one I said to Des that she’s something special, and I think she’s proven it today,” he told Trackside TV after Saturday’s race.
“She’s going to go on to bigger and better things.”
Tinsley said he had been told to get off the fence if possible but circumstances meant he couldn’t and her inside draw had in the end paid off.
“She’s had a lot of wide draws and drawing No.1 meant she was always going to be five or six lengths better off,” he said.
Platinum Witness’ second placing means she will take out the New Zealand Filly of the Year series.
