Savacool wins in tight Randwick finish

Blake Shinn has ridden the Chris Waller-trained Savacool to win Sydney’s first race of the year.

Savacool has built on her past two second placings to win at Randwick for Sydney’s premier trainer Chris Waller.

The filly won the first Sydney race of 2018 on Monday to notch her second career victory in the Happy New Year Handicap at Randwick.

Blake Shinn bided his time on Savacool and she was tough to the line at the end of the 1800m to claim victory in a tight finish on Monday.

Savacool, the $3.70 favourite, made her move at the 300m and although stablemate Velocita looked threatening, she had enough in reserve to hit the line a short neck clear of Dark Dream ($7.50).

Velocita ($9) was third a neck further away.

“She didn’t win her last two but the writing’s been on the wall that she’s quite a progressive horse,” Waller said.

Banner error, could not find casino id "william-hill-sport"

“Blake gave her every possible chance and it was good to see her fight.

“She did make her run quite early and the challengers were coming a the the 200 but you could see her lower, dig deep and get away from them again.”

Savacool will now head to Waller’s Gold Coast stable and target races over the Queensland summer.

“Timing-wise it’s probably best looking towards Queensland with her,” Waller said.

Shinn was always confident Savacool had her rivals covered in the run home.

“I was confident she could make that long run. She got to the front fairly early and once she got challenged she found another gear and proved too strong,” he said.

Waller said Velocita would head for a spell after not quite seeing out the distance while his third contender, Corinth, ran seventh.