NEWCASTLE trainer Sam Kavanagh is gradually rebuilding his team as he chases a two-track midweek double on Wednesday within 20 minutes of each other.
The Newcastle trainer arrived at Coffs Harbour on Wednesday afternoon with talented sprinter Kayobi en route to Grafton in the morning for the $200,000 Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at 3.59pm.
And he also has Magnatear lining up on the Kensington track in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1550m) at 4.20pm.
Robbie Dolan rides Kayobi, and Nash Rawiller has the mount on Magnatear.
Following an excellent first-up close fourth in the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at the Scone carnival on May 18, Kayobi finished down the track in a Benchmark 94 Handicap (1300m) at Royal Randwick on June 8.
But his trainer has pointed out there were valid excuses, and is expecting a much-improved performance at Grafton.
“He went forward at Randwick, and he has been beaten twice there on heavy ground (the first was fourth when favorite in the Provincial-Midway Championships Final there in April last year),” Kavanagh said.
“Kayobi bled from one nostril, but has since been scoped and everything was clear and he trialled on the Beaumont track late last month without any problem.
“The likelihood of a much better surface at Grafton is ideal and, if the speed is on, I’m sure he can run well.
“My staff will take Magnatear to Sydney for the last race at the Kensington meeting.
“Importantly, he has won on that track, and that’s a big advantage.
“Nash Rawiller won a Benchmark 64 over the same course and distance on him on Anzac Day, and is back on the gelding.”
Kavanagh’s major health problems have been well documented, but he is a fighter and determined to again build a sizeable team to make his business a viable proposition.
“I’ve got 20 horses in work, and we bought some yearlings this year (he also was underbidder for the top lot at $350,000 which went to Hong Kong at the Inglis Classic sale in February) which will soon be two-year-olds,” he said.
“I’m looking for more tried horses, and know I can do a good job for owners who entrust them with me.
“Our horses have been racing consistently with four winners in the last few months, and 12 of 16 runners have finished in the Top 4.
“I had an odds-on favorite Sharpen The Knives ($1.90) which ran second at home today.
“It was a very strong headwind but like many others, I don’t like losing.”
Kavanagh was especially pleased to clinch a debut victory with Sukida ($3.80) in a Midway 2&3YO Maiden Handicap (900m) at Newcastle last Saturday.
A three-year-old daughter of Supido, Sukida is a homebred, making the victory even more special.
“My partner Kelly Fawcett bought Sukida’s dam Tizzy May online for $500. She hadn’t foaled in three consecutive years,” Kavanagh said.
“We sent her to Supido before his service fee went up.
“It’s been a haul to get her to the races, so it was a terrific result to win first-up.”
. Newcastle jockey Andrew Gibbons also was on the road again after winning the Newcastle closer on Tuesday on Denman Star ($9) for Gosford trainer Angela Davies.
Gibbons rode at the South Grafton Cup meeting last Sunday, and partners Enterprise Pomme for Kris Lees as he chases a second Ramornie victory, having won Grafton’s feature sprint on Jerezana in 2011.
Story John Curtis, July 16, 2024 - Pics Bradley Photos
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