They met a trio of times as three-year-olds, and now Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic are preparing to square off for the first time as mares in a tantalising Toy Show Quality clash at Randwick.
Apocalyptic had the measure of Savvy Hallie in the Furious Stakes (1200m) last spring before the latter turned the tables in their two autumn encounters, relegating her rival to second in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and beating her home in the Surround Stakes (1400m).
Savvy Hallie’s trainer Brad Widdup isn’t buying into any talk of a rivalry, but says they are two classy mares and his is ready to rumble first-up.
“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 said.
“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 been ultra consistent with three wins and five placings from 11 starts, including a Group 1 second to Everest runner-up Tempted in the Surround.
The only time she finished outside the top five was in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) in March when Widdup felt she had reached the end of her preparation, and her preferred distance range.
She is a first-up winner and Widdup has no qualms over her 59kg top weight, or an awkward gate in barrier six of seven.
“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 being well, Savvy Hallie is likely to head to next month’s Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill for her second-up run and provided she performs to expectations, a Melbourne sojourn is on the table.
“She could go to the Sheraco, and then to Melbourne for the Manikato (Stakes),” Widdup said.
“I’m very happy with her so we’ll see what happens.”
Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic sit atop early betting markets for the Toy Show Quality (1100m) with the former priced at $3.80 and Apocalyptic a $2.30 favourite.
The $2 million Manikato Stakes (1200m) is at Caulfield on September 27.
