Promising galloper Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock) outlined her credentials for higher honours when she defeated a quality line up of intermediate-graded gallopers to take out the Stella Artois Championship Final (1500m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day.
Sporting the familiar colours of Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the four-year-old daughter of Tavistock looked to be in for a profitable summer after kicking off a new campaign with a close second over 1400m at the venue last month before winning stylishly at Te Rapa earlier this month.
Having her first attempt beyond 1400m, the Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall-trained runner took it all in her stride as she settled in midfield for rider Vinnie Colgan, who was substituting for the suspended Warren Kennedy, before building her momentum approaching the home bend.
Momentarily pocketed behind runners at the 300m, Colgan eased her into a needle-eye gap before balancing up and driving clear to win going away by more than a length from the fast-finishing pair of Rudyard (NZ) (Charm Spirit) and Sindacato (NZ) (Per Incanto).
Richardson was justifiably proud of the effort after the mare overcame a muddling pace and some mid-race interference.
“That was a big effort today as they walked down the back (straight), where she got her head up as one came back on her,” he said.
“I thought then she was going to need a lot of luck but he (Colgan) rode her well as he didn’t panic and she showed she is a good mare.
“When she is strong enough she will get over more ground but she is still a little immature.
“Brendan and Jo are great to train for and it’s nice to have a quality mare like this.”
Colgan was also taken with the effort.
“The pace slackened off and my horse was over-racing,” he said.
“She travelled into it nicely turning for home and I had to make a few choices in the straight, but luckily enough we got through the gaps.
“She really pulled away the last little bit.”
Out of Zabeel mare Ritzy Lady (NZ), the winner of the 2007 Listed New Zealand St Leger (2500m) who was also runner-up in the 2006 Gr.2 Counties Cup (2100m), Snazzytavi hails from an extended family that includes stakes performers Playful Fingers (NZ) (Defensive Play), South African Group winners Hancock Park (NZ) (Pompeii Court) and Park Lane (Elliodor) and Australian Group One winner Manuel (Commands).
