Racing: Capital gain for Savaria

Savaria (inner) holds off Jacksstar to win the Wellington Cup at Trentham yesterday. Photo / Trish Dunell

The Wellington stage brings out the best in Savaria and she gave another award-winning performance there on yesterday.

She first came to prominence at Trentham in 2015 when she won the group one New Zealand Oaks and now she has added the group three Wellington Cup to her record in the capital.

While Savaria's form has been largely patchy in between times, trainer Roydon Bergerson had been in a confident pre-Cup mood.

"It's a great feeling and we've had a few knockers, but she's a very good mare and her lead-up runs had all been good," he said.

Raced by Taranaki couple Des and Kay Fleming, Savaria was ridden by Hayden Tinsley who had also been aboard the Savabeel filly in the Oaks.

"I was a bit worried coming to the corner, but it was a patient ride and they got the last run at them," Bergerson said.

"It's great for Des and Kay, they're wonderful people."

Savaria settled back of midfield and she took advantage of runs near the fence to move into contention across the top before finishing off resolutely in the run home.

"I got bit worried coming to the 1000 metre mark when they started swooping, but I got the inside runs," Tinsley said.

"She had been working well since she last raced and I really rated her chances."

The favourite Jacksstar came from the tail end of the field to run second with Perfect Start, who placed in the group three New Zealand Cup in the spring, taking third money from last year's Oaks winner Fanatic.

Meanwhile, Racha Cuneen's stellar season continued where he doubled his group one tally with a boil-over success aboard Signify.

The 25-year-old, who opened his top-flight account in the spring aboard the star filly La Diosa in the NZ 1000 Guineas, guided the 45-1 shot to a narrow victory in the Telegraph.

Signify came with a powerful late finish from the back to narrowly deny the Railway Stakes winner Start Wondering a notable double. The well-supported Perfect Fit finished third.

- NZ Racing Desk.