Ballarat-based trainer Mitch Freedman has high hopes that Savitri can eventually measure up in Stakes company, but for now he is content to take a patient approach with the promising filly.
With several three-year-old Stakes opportunities on the horizon interstate, Freedman is open to travelling with Savitri following her impressive victory in the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday.
Savitri brought up her second win from just four starts and shapes as a filly with a bright future, although Freedman believes she still has plenty to learn on the job.
Sent out a well-supported $2.50 favourite under John Allen, Savitri scored by a length over Engine Of War ($6), with Loud Charlie ($2.70) another length away in third.
The filly travelled keenly behind the leader early in the race, but Freedman expects natural improvement as she matures.
“The problem is with her she is always full of energy,” Freedman said.
“She takes all her work at home like it’s nothing and we can’t seem to get on top of her.
“I’m sure in time, with racing, and that extended work, she will come back underneath herself and race a lot better.
“We’ve still got good enough hopes for her, but we’ll see how she comes through today before deciding what we do with her next.”
While the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville next month may come too soon, Freedman indicated the Auraria Stakes (1800m) could be a more realistic target.
“It will be a matter how all that works out, but we think she is going to be a really good horse for the stable as a four and five-year-old,” Freedman said.
“We are hoping that she can continue to improve her racing manners and if that can happen, she can get to a nice level.
“A mile or 1800-metre race at Stakes level, that is something we could think about, and the Auraria Stakes might be a little target for her.
“It would give her the experience of travel and a trip away and we could test the water at Stakes level, and we’re not ruling out travel to Sydney either.
“There’s plenty of Stakes races about and we think she’s a horse that can get to that level, but it’s going to be a matter of time when we dip the toe in the water.”
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