In ten starts before December 1st, Nigel and the owners of Ferro Nero were both frustrated and amazed that their horse nicknamed “Basil” was still a maiden. But with two wins in December, he is now putting it all together.
Having placed three times, and running an unlucky fourth at Flemington in May, Basil had always shown promise. However for a range of reasons, he took a couple of preparations to break his maiden tag.
That all changed on 1 December with a well planned victory at Kilmore over 1612m. The step up to the mile suited Basil, but settling off the pace and swooping outside of the field proved to be more important.
“Ferro Nero does not appreciate racing on the inside of horses. So timing his run and getting to the outside of the field is the key to him”, reported Nigel after the victory.
Today at William Hill Park (Sandown Lakeside), Ferro Nero stepped up to BM78 class and 2100m. With maturity, he is now settling in his races. So the extra distance was something Nigel had been looking forward to this campaign. A patient ride by Dwayne Dunn and a clear run on the outside of the field allowed Ferro Nero to showcase his best, swooping to a dominant victory.
Surprisingly low rated at just 58 considering his dominant maiden victory at Kilmore, Ferro Nero looked in the deep end at this level. But Nigel and connections believe he is better than benchmark grade and can develop into a metropolitan class horse. So racing at BM78 was not a major concern.
The purchase and syndication of Ferro Nero was a real team effort. Headed by long-time clients John Clark, Matt Ramunno and Chris Page, the syndicate of friends that race Ferro Nero put their trust in both Nigel and Sheamus Mills (Sheamus Mills Bloodstock) at the 2013 Inglis Premier Sale.
“Both Sheamus and Nigel independently picked Ferro Nero from the Ascot Farm (NZ) draft, along with stablemate and now stakes-winner Exclusive Lass. They were stalled next to each other at the sale, and we loved them both. With both trainer and bloodstock agent in agreement, we purchased them both and syndicated them amongst friends”, said John Clark after today’s victory.
Nigel was quick to point out, “I love Savabeel as a stallion. I make sure I inspect everyone of Savabeel’s progeny at the yearling sales. Waikato Stud have done a great job managing his stud career, and I hope a few more of his progeny join the stable!”.
Ferro Nero was Savabeel’s 315th winner (he is now up to 322 to Dec 30). With 44 stakes-winners at an impressive 8.9% of runners, Savabeel is nothing short of an outstanding success at stud. We hope one day Ferro Nero adds to that stakes-winner tally.