19 Feb 2019Cambridge Stud and trainer Lance Noble enjoyed a great day at the office today, with two members of its racing team saluting at Avondale.
Four-year-old mare Sistabeel (Savabeel) got the ball rolling in the third, steaming home to hold off her nearest rival by two and a quarter lengths for Matthew Cameron.
Sistabeel is now a four-time winner. Since getting in foal to Tavistock, she has struck a purple patch of form, placing second before staging back-to-back wins today.
“Whether it be because she is pregnant, or coming of age, but her temperament has certainly improved this preparation,” said Noble.
“We will just see how she comes through today before making any plans, but potentially she could have another start on Derby day before retiring to stud.”
Backing up in the next, the yellow and black silks were seen to advantage courtesy of Sam Spratt piloting a pillar-to-post win on the maiden three-year-old chestnut filly, Markle (Stratum).
“Markle has been running well without getting across the line for the win. Sam rode her really well today. The race really suited her, she was able to dictate terms and showed plenty of determination and fight to hold off Decadence in second,” said Lance.
“From here we will look to go through the grades with her.”