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Aquis raced colt Mo'unga retains his unbeaten record.
Waikato Stud-based Savabeel (Zabeel) looks to have another star on his hands, as the Chris Waller-trained Mo'unga (3 c ex Chandelier by O'Reilly) proved a cut above his rivals in the Dulcify Handicap (Listed, 1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday, which saw the stallion's haul of stakes winners swell to an impressive 101.
Stepping into stakes company for the first time following victories at the Gold Coast and Newcastle, Mo'ungo maintained his unbeaten record when he pounced late to score a length and a half victory over his stablemate and fellow Aquis raced Global Quest (More Than Ready), while Jet Propulsion (Rubick) was another neck away in third.
While Waller ruled out a start in the Golden Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) in two weeks' time, he was effusive in his praise for the colt nominating the Spring Champion Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) on October 10 as the colt's main spring target.
"He's not seasoned enough for that type of racing [Golden Rose] just yet in my opinion but gee, he is going to be something very special to look forward to," Waller said.
"The plan was always the Spring Champion. I think he's got a great future and we don't need to bottom him out too quickly.
"They were decent horses he was racing against. He got back from his wide draw and settled, bided his time and came through them like a real professional."
Purchased by his owners for NZ$325,000 at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka National Yearling Sale Book 1 from the Waikato Stud draft, the colt is another fine example of the success of Savabeel when mated to daughters of O'Reilly (Last Tycoon) with the cross producing 15 stakes winners, headed by four Group 1 winners; Costume, Diademe, Savaria and Embellish.
The colt's winning dam Chandelier (O'Reilly) is herself a sister to Group 2 winner Irlanda, while his third dam is Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed mare Seraphic (Imposing).
Seraphic herself is a grandam of Auckland Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) winner Chenille (Pentire) and Group 2 winner Chintz (Savabeel), who in turn produced Group 2 scorer Not An Option (Not A Single Doubt).
In 2019 Chandelier produced a filly by Savabeel, who was crowned New Zealand's champion sire for a fifth time last season and he is standing at Waikato Stud for a fee of NZ$100,000 (plus GST).