Ravello kicks off season in style

Savabeel four-year-old Ravello returned to action in fine fashion at Warwick Farm to account for his rivals over 1300 metres.The Cambridge Stud graduate hadn’t raced since May, but trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton had him ready to star first-up and he duly obliged over a trip short of his best.“He’d had two strong trials and had a lovely run in transit, he’s always looked a horse that would get a mile and maybe 2000 metres,” Charlton said.Ravello lobbed along in third spot away from the fence for rider James McDonald and proved far too strong in the run home.It was his third victory from 13 appearances and wasn’t disgraced when tried in stakes company last season.“He was a bit stiff in the Gloaming and then lost his way a bit, but he’s always been a talented horse,” Charlton said.We raised and sold Ravello on behalf of breeder Max Whitby and the colt was purchased by bloodstock agent Bruce Perry from our New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft for $425,000.He is the first foal of the American-bred stakes performer Cover Charge, a daughter of Take Charge Indy who is from the family of the multiple Group 1 winners and influential sires Street Cry and Shamardal. The pedigree has previously made its mark in Australia as well through family member Thronum, the Group 2 winner of the Australia Stakes and a Group 1 placegetter.