Group One winner Savvy Coup looks primed for the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) in a fortnight’s time after closing late to finish runner-up to Melody Belle in the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings on Saturday.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I think she will be a big chance in the Livamol,” said Michael Pitman, who trains the Savabeel mare with son Matthew.

“Had we got clear on Saturday I don’t think it would have made any difference, the winner won too good. We might not have won the race, but I’m just as happy.”

Pitman said Savvy Coup is continuing to improve and depending on how she performs on the last day of the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival, she could continue her spring campaign in Australia.

“I’m pleased we took her back to home-base (after the Tarzino Trophy) because we have been able to do what we want to do at home and she’s improved a lot,” Pitman said.

“I thought her run on the first day was enormous and she has backed that up. I’m really looking forward to the next two to three runs with her because I hope to take her over to Melbourne and we’ll see what happens next start.”