Brad Widdup’s faith in Savvy Hallie will stay solid win, lose or draw from her tricky barrier in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick

An outside draw has made Savvy Hallie’s task a lot harder in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick but trainer Brad Widdup’s opinion of her won’t change regardless of the result.

Savvy Hallie (left) will needs some luck from a wide barrier in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick. Picture: Bradley Photos

Trainer Brad Widdup’s high opinion of promising filly Savvy Hallie likely won’t be dented regardless of the result in Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Reisling Stakes (1200m).

Widdup is confident he’s got a classy two-year-old on his hands but a tricky draw in the crucial Golden Slipper lead-up has the Hawkesbury conditioner cautious about her prospects at Royal Randwick.

“I am not going to mark her card for Saturday when she is drawn wide,” Widdup said.

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“It might be a good barrier if the rain comes, I am not sure, so we will wait and see.”

Savvy Hallie, who is a relation to the likes of Savabeel and Arlington, was snapped up by Widdup’s loyal supporters B K Racing for $320,000 at last year’s Inglis Classic Sale.

She showed Widdup promise early on and was unlucky not to deliver on it on debut at Warwick Farm.

Another wide draw proved costly after the daughter of Hellbent was caught three-deep in an 1100m and was only gunned down late by fellow Slipper hopeful King Of Pop late.

“She is a nice filly,” Widdup said.

“It was obviously disappointing she didn’t win on debut but it’s a hard time of year with two-year-olds and you just want to see if they can perform.

A real “Thriller” at the finish! 📸

King Of Pop wins the Warwick Farm opener! 🌟@GRyanRacingpic.twitter.com/Xk8cpBuMfW

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 19, 2025

“She has always trialled very well and everything like that and I think she is going to be a very nice filly for the stable.

“I think she is very good.”

Jay Ford will take the reins on Savvy Hallie in the Reisling, which offers ballot exemption in the Golden Slipper for the winner.

She is a $9.50 chance to book her spot in the big dance with Godolphin filly Tempted ($3.60 favourite) returning to Sydney.

Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci ($6) will attempt to bounce back to her best after failing to live up to expectations in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes.

The John Thompson-trained filly was found to have mucus in her trachea and has since been treated for the issue.

Originally published as Brad Widdup’s faith in Savvy Hallie will stay solid win, lose or draw from her tricky barrier in the Reisling Stakes at Randwick