Graeme Rogerson paid Savabeel mare Scarlett Lady (NZ) the ultimate accolade on her triumphant return to racing at Tauherenikau on Monday.  The crack mare came back from an injury-forced break to claim the Listed Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes with authority.

“She’s probably the best horse I’ve ever been associated with,” said Rogerson, who trains the four-year-old with wife Debbie.  “She’s a great filly and she’s had a decent blow.  She will run in the Air New Zealand Stakes and go to Australia and have a look at the International in Singapore.”

Winner of the G1 Queensland Oaks last year, Scarlett Lady had been off the scene since she underwent surgery to remove a bone chip in the spring.  “She had a couple of months off after the operation and come back and her work has been enormous,” Rogerson said.  “We couldn’t be any happier with her.”

Scarlett Lady was ridden back in the field at Tauherenikau before circling the field to account for Outback Girl (O’Reilly).  A one-time Caulfield Cup favourite, Scarlett Lady has autumn options in Sydney and Melbourne.

She was Savabeel’s first Group 1 winner and is the last foal of LR Feilding Gold Cup winner On Call.  Owner Max Whitby bought her for just $25,000 at the 2009 NZB Karaka yearling sale.