Five-year-old mare Avebury (NZ) (Savabeel) relished the week back-up when successful at Caulfield on Saturday in the Summit Concepts Merchandise Handicap (1400m), having finished a close-up fifth at the same venue seven days earlier.
The daughter of Savabeel sat just behind the speed throughout under Jye McNeil and relished getting clear air mid-straight to run out a ready winner for trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman.
Originally prepared by John O’Shea, Avebury was the winner of the Listed Canberra Guineas (1400m) for that stable as a three-year-old and was sold at last year’s Gold Coast Broodmare Sale for $575,000 to Boomer Bloodstock and Murray Thoroughbreds.
The attractive mare recorded her first victory at start three for her new connections.
“It was a a good plan by Sam to back-up and step out to 1400m,” McNeil said.
“There was a a little bit of speed in the early stages, which didn’t make it straightforward (from barrier 1) and I ended up in a position that I had to be patient and make sure I made the right move to get out and get some clear air.
“Once she did that, she hit the front really fast and actually had a really good look around so it was a win with a bit more in store.
“Sam spoke about backing her up straight after her run here a week ago and obviously they are a team that prepares their horses really well and they had her spot-on today.
“When she hit the front really fast it was a bit of a shock to her and she spotted the winning post and pricked the ears. I feel like if she had something to chase or something come at her, she would have she would have had more in the tank.” Bred by Waikato Stud, Avebury is a half-sister to Gr.1 Queensland Derby runner up Paternal (NZ) (Savabeel), with both out of the O’Reilly mare O’Dianne (NZ).