Kavanagh Confident Of A Big Day
Friday, 24 October 2008:  | | Mark Kavanagh |
"The Cox Plate meeting is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world and to have four good chances in four different races is exciting,” Kavanagh said.
Kavanagh's team is led by his oustanding Caulfield Guineas winner WHobegotyou in the AAma Vase, the gelding's lead-up to next week's AAMI Victoria derby at Flemington.
"He has trained on really well since winning the Guineas," Kavanagh said.
"I'm very comfortable with my decision to head to the AAMI Vase and not run in the Cox Plate.
“The club will be running the race next year – we might be back for it then.”
“If he runs as we expect tomorrow it will be all systems go to the Derby.”
Kavanagh has Maldivian to represent him in the Cox Plate with blinkers on an important gear change after he stepped the big gelding over hurdles at Flemington during the week.
"It was always the plan to have the blinkers added to Maldivian for the Cox Plate," he said.
"Coming back from the 2400 in the Caulfield Cup they should be able to sharpen him up a bit.
“I thought he ran okay in the Caulfield Cup – he just didn't quite run out the mile and a half.
“He has pulled up in great style and we even popped him over a few little hurdles to break up his routine a bit.
“I'm expecting him to run well – he likes the track and the 2040 metres should really suit.”
“The blinkers have a good record when fitted to progeny by Zabeel so we're hoping it has a positive effect in the Cox Plate.”
Kavanagh has the in form Sea Battle in the Jayco Crystal Mile but is disappointd with his wide barrier.
"The draw was a real blow," he said.
“He's a genuine galloper who is in great form and his effort last start in a Group One event was first class.
“We will probably need some luck from the wide barrier and hopefully he doesn't have to do too much work to get across into a decent position.
“With any sort of luck I'd expect him to be right in the finish.”
There has been heavy backing for Princess Marizza to win the Inglis Mile following her unlucky last start placing but she also has an awkward gate.
"From the barrier I'd be expecting her to settle back in the field and hopefully the track will enable her to get home in the straight," Kavanagh said.
“She likes to settle off the speed and come home late.
“She is a winner from two runs here at the track so that won't pose a problem.”
“Hopefully the speed suits and she is able to get a clear run so she can finish off in the straight."
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