Savatoxl completed one of the biggest career turn arounds seen in recent years to win Saturday’s $502,250 Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville.
The former top end galloper was sent to Tony and Calvin McEvoy to chase the 2020 Balaklava Cup but has proven a revelation since returning to sprinting trips.
Leading trainer Tony McEvoy admitted it was a bit peculiar to see the talented galloper give the stable a second Goodwood win in two years in a race that was dominated by top line proven Group 1 sprinters.
“It’s a bit surreal,’’ Tony McEvoy said.
“He’d won a Guineas and raced in a Darwin Cup and just didn’t run the trip in the Balaklava Cup.
It was a brilliant ride with many expecting the pair to lead.
But Vorster elected to trail stablemate Dollar For Dollar before giving a big kick on the home turn and powering away to safely hold Instant Celebrity and favourite Gytrash.
“He didn’t have the pace to lead, Barend (Vorster) was beautiful and showed all his experience and it was lovely to see him dart through,’’ McEvoy said.
And being Vorster’s first Adelaide Group 1 was even more special.
“It really makes me feel fantastic,’’ McEvoy said.
“His work ethic is incredible, it’s a really great day,’’ he said.
And Vorster to claim the big one in front of family was extremely important.
“To get one here in South Australia is special,’’ Vorster said.
“He came out well but I was nice and patient, I was fortunate to keep the fence, but he just found another gear.
“I gave him one flick with the whip, he just gave me the confidence,’’ he said.
