Racing: Snazzytavi storms to victory in Te Rapa feature

Snazzytavi won Saturday’s Group Two Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa. Photo / Kenton Wright, Race Images

Raging hot favourite Snazzytavi more than justified the torrent of support she received in the final minutes of betting prior to Saturday’s Group Two Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m), the feature event for the fillies and mares at Te Rapa.

The Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall-prepared five-year-old was making her first appearance since taking out the Group One Livamol Classic (2040m) at the venue in October with a barn-storming late run and she repeated the pattern of that victory on Saturday.

Punters who backed her into the $1.30 Fixed Odds favourite may have been feeling a little anxious when regular pilot Warren Kennedy had her back equal last on a muddling speed set up by Reputation and No Secret for most of the contest.

Still second last approaching the home bend as things began to get serious near the lead, Kennedy made sure he had the daughter of Tavistock well balanced before asking her to extend in the run home.

With a few huge strides, Snazzytavi ranged up to fellow Group One winner Campionessa before breezing past her at the 150m mark as she headed to the winning post two lengths to the good of Campionessa with Hi Yo Sass Bomb shading Bella Waters for third.

Richardson had been looking to see his charge relaxed during the running as he sets her for another Group One target on Boxing Day at Ellerslie and got exactly what he wanted with the performance.

“I was nervous but she keeps winning and she is such a good horse, those are the ones that make you the most nervous,” Richardson said.

“They walked (in front) and she still settled which is just so important. I’m over the moon for her and all her connections.

“The goal for the season is the Zabeel Classic (Group One, 2000m) which I would love to win for her owners.

“She is just athletic, has an amazing stride on her and is tough. You wouldn’t want to be married to her.”

Kennedy stressed the importance of keeping the mare in a good rhythm during her races which allows her to deliver her best.

“She is something special and has really stepped up,” he said.

“I was a little concerned about the pace as there didn’t look to be a lot of speed, but I didn’t want to change anything with her as we have been teaching her to get back (and relax).

“Full credit to Graham and Rogan as they have taken their time with her.

“She has been learning her craft and now it is paying dividends. She was absolutely cruising when she got sling-shotted into the race and I gave her one flick when we got up to Campionessa and it was all over.

“She has lived up to the Group One win she had and it’s all systems go from here.”

Bred by Gordon Cunningham under his Suncroft Bloodstock banner, Snazzytavi has now earned $682,900 from her 14-start, eight-win career, for owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, who stood the ill-fated Tavistock at Cambridge Stud before his untimely passing in 2019.

– LOVERACING.NZ News Desk