Sale-Topping Saperavi Wins at Ashburton

Blueblood three-year-old colt Saperavi has his first raceday win under his belt with a two length victory in the 1200 Maiden event at Ashburton on Friday.

The $2.2 million yearling was the top price of Karaka's National Yearling Sales Series in 2006 when purchased by Te Akau Stud's David Ellis, with the colt now trained by Mark Walker. The win came on just the second raceday start for the colt.

Out of SAJC Australasian Oaks winner Grand Echezeaux, Saperavi is a half-brother to five-time Group 1 winner Darci Brahma who recently received a 115 rating on the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Ratings for his past season's efforts, placing him 45th equal in the world.

But Mark Walker says there are clear differences between the brothers. "This horse (Saperavi) is so unlike Darci Brahma. He was a true blue sprinter while this colt, to me, will come into his own once he goes past 1600 metres," said Walker.

Rider Michael Walker who rode the colt in a barrier trial win last season said the horse had matured and developed considerably since then. "He may not have beaten much at Ashburton but he gathered the field in pretty easily when I asked him to stride out."

"It just took him a little time to get into full stride. But after that he was always going to win. He is a colt with tremendous potential," said Walker.

Mark Walker said that Saperavi would more than likely have his next run in the $55,000 Ray Coupland Stakes over 1400 metres, also at Ashburton later in September and then tackle the best of the colts and fillies in the Group 1 First Sovereign 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.