News Archive

More Juvenile Joy for Kavanagh
Cats Whisker Another Spring Prospect for Kav
Sea Battle Looking for Spring Riches
Lamarr All Class at Cranbourne
Sea Battle Qualifies for Championship Final
Whobegotyou to rest after great win
Kav's Sea wins Sandown Battle
Two On End for Dr Doute's
Whobegotyou Brilliant on Debut
Tobouggie Continues Stables Winning Ways
Our Saint Marches In
Dr Doute's Impresses on Debut
Harmony Aces Rivals at Geelong
Sale Coup: Madonna for Millions
Private Liaison Impresses at Cheltenham
Divine Madonna Retired
Kav Club to bring racing to new audience
Impressive SA Win for Kavanagh's Blue Blood
Maldivian out until spring
Blue Diamond Final Field
Kavanagh's Blue Diamond Chances Improve
Believe'N'Succeed stakes placed in Preview
New Rider for Tipungwuti
Juvenile Catapults into Millions Contention
Showcase win for Nadobe
Kenwick Stays Too Well at Morphettville
Change of Tactics Successful for Princess
Sea Battle Enjoys His Change Of Stable
Coco Command Impressive At Cheltenham
Hong Kong plans shelved for Divine Madonna
Divine Madonna's Fourth Group One
Kav's Princess Crowned at the Valley
Final Preparation for Plate
Cox Plate Barrier Draw
Puerto Banus Redeems at Seymour
Caulfield Cup Nightmare
Divine Madonna's Fourth Group One
Kav's Princess Crowned at the Valley
Final Preparation for Plate
Cox Plate Barrier Draw
Puerto Banus Redeems at Seymour
Caulfield Cup Nightmare
Well bred doll cruises home
Adelaide Stable Firing
Devil Moon tackles tough Turnbull
Maldivian Dominates In JRA Cup
Mighty Moon Overcomes Devil of a Barrier
Top First Up Win for Melbourne Bound Danedina
Regal Colt Adds Hometown Win
Stable Streak Continues at Bendigo
Moon Sparkles in the Flemington Sunshine
Kav Looking Forward to Testing Star Trio Again
Kavanagh Works Magic With Bodacious Harmony 
Maldivian heads Caulfield Cup Betting
Divine Madonna Crowned SA's Horse of the Year

More Juvenile Joy for Kavanagh
28/07/08

Cats Whisker Another Spring Prospect for Kav
12/07/08

The in form Mark Kavanagh stable unveiled another spring carnival contender at Moonee Valley this afternoon in the form of Fusaichi Pegasus filly Cats Whisker.

Sent out the hot favourite following a brilliant four length debut win at Seymour on June 19, Cats Whisker made up for a tardy getaway with a powerful finish in the straight.

Raced by a Sydney quartet of owners, Cats Whisker will now be freshened up before being set for feature races later in the year.

With trainer Mark Kavanagh soaking up the rays in the French Riviera, stable foreman Merv Harvey was in charge of saddling the stable's sole runner today.

"It was a good performance," Harvey said. "She finished it off really well in the straight and won nicely."

"She must have been on the back foot when the gates opened, she was a bit tardy away."

"But Nick didn't panic on her, he's great like that, he just put her into a good spot and went from there."

At the line Cats Whisker ($1.75-$1.90-$1.80 fav) got up to beat Ribati ($21-$26) by three parts of a length.

Third home was Yesterday ($3.70-$4.60-$4.40) a further short head back.

Cats Whisker joins recent city winning, and unbeaten, two-year-olds from the Kavanagh stable Dr Doute's and Whobegotyou as youngsters with a bright future ahead.

"She was probably just too good for them at Seymour (on debut)," Harvey said of the winner.

"We'll send her up to the water walker at Rockmount now and she can have a freshen up and come back for the spring."

The filly is set to be nominated for a number of three-year-old filly features later in the year including the Group One Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.

"Racing like that today was good. I think she's going to handle longer distances."

"It looks as though she will be perfectly suited at a mile," he added. "She's bred for it."

Cats Whisker, a homebred, is one of two winners from the stakes performed Don't Say Halo mare Perfect Halo.

A half sister to the dual winning stablemate Our Saint, Cats Whisker is by Mr. Prospector's Kentucky Derby winning son Fusaichi Pegasus - the sire of her group winning stablemate Tipungwuti.

Raced by Sydneysiders Joy and Sam Jenkins and Mr and Mrs Bill Smith, Cats Whisker has earned $42,900 from her two wins from as many starts.

"Sam's not feeling the best, so that will be a welcomed win," Harvey said.

The punters who took the short odds were also welcoming the win.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.

© Cyberhorse 2008 Greg Irvine Published 12/07/08

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Sea Battle Looking for Spring Riches
05/07/08

Jockey Michael Rodd won his first race at Flemington since last year's Melbourne Cup when Sea Battle won the 2008 Henry Bucks VRC - CRV Winter Championship at Flemington this afternoon.

Backing up from a slashing win at Flemington last week, when he came from last on the turn, the Mark Kavanagh trained Sea Battle showed his versatility by sitting in sixth position in the big field before coming between runners in the straight to win well.

Rodd, who regularly rides Sea Battle ($2.60-$3.10-$2.80) in trackwork, bided his time before asking for a final effort and was able to down Rockpecker ($4.40-$6.00) by three quarters of a length.

The pair cleared out by 2¾ lengths from third placed Magnetic ($14-$17). Scenic Silver ($7-$9) was fourth a neck further away.

"He was still pretty impressive in the way that when the sprint went on coming around the turn they left me a bit flat footed", Rodd said.

Rodd effectively made two runs on Sea Battle. One to get out of an awkward position on the rails behind a wall of horses and the next over the concluding stages to overhaul Rockpecker. 

"I had to squeeze for a run at the 400 which took a little bit out of him and he had to pick himself up again and get going."

"It was better than what it looked." 

Rodd is impressed by the improvement in Sea Battle since he first came into the Kavanagh stable last year. 

"I rode him Thursday morning and he just keeps improving", he said.

"I was so confident coming into today."

Trainer Mark Kavanagh was on a plane to Dubai as the race was run, eagerly anticipating a text message on arrival telling him the outcome of today's race.

"I could probably make a call from the plane but I'll wait until we land", Kavanagh said yesterday when asked if he could cope with not knowing the result.

Stable foreman Merv Harvey explained that today's good barrier combined with an anticipated lack of speed, led to a change in today's riding tactics. 

"Last week there was good speed in the race", he observed.

"Today there probably wasn't as much genuine speed."

"It was always Michael's plan to ride a bit closer, we just needed the luck."

"He wore the other horse down and did a good job."

Harvey suggested that a Spring campaign was on the agenda for Sea Battle, clearly one of the best horses going around this Winter.

"He's a very versatile horse and he just keeps on improving."

"We'll probably give him a bit of a break now and bring him back for the Spring."

"I think if we give him three weeks on the water walker and bring him back and freshen him up for the Spring he could win a nice race for us."

The Kavanagh stable is enjoying a lot of success giving horses like Maldivian and Tipungwuti a spell on the "Aquaciser", walking machine at Rockmount near Euroa.

Harvey expects that Sea Battle will benefit from such training, enjoying a change of scenery as well as retaining fitness without the constant pounding of trackwork affecting his soundness.

"He's offset in the knees", explained Harvey.

"He gets 4 or 5 runs out of him and then the tracks get too hard and he jars up a bit." 

Rodd is looking forward to riding Sea Battle in the Spring. 

"Its a big credit to Mark and his stable because he's a horse that's got his fair share of problems but they've overcome them."

"His biggest attribute is that you can ride him anywhere.

"He can be on the pace or off the pace."

"He switches off for you and when you ask him for it he gives you his best."

Harvey revealed that the stable has Group races in mind for Sea Battle. 

"As a three year old he ran in the Tulloch Stakes", he said.

"He wasn't that far away from those horses in Sydney so I see no reason why he can't progress to that sort of class."

"The owner wants to get him out to a mile and a quarter."

"He's won over 2000 metres but he's unsound and that's why we've restricted him to the mile."

"He's bred to be a mile and a quarter or mile and a half horse."

Perhaps Sea Battle's pedigree gives the best clue to what he is most suited for.

By English Derby winner Quest For Fame, Sea Battle is out of the Danehill mare Peppie, bred by Bob Scarborough's Wood Nook Farm.

This Quest For Fame/Danehill cross is the same as Kavanagh's promising two year old filly Lamarr, owned by Gerry Harvey which won at Cranbourne on Thursday.

The cross also produced the ill-fated Group 1 filly Unworldy. 

But it is Sea Battle's third dam, Coup de Chance, that highlights his potential. She is the dam of Dieu d'Or and Final Card, two of the fastest sprinters ever to race at Flemington, both of which broke the 1200m track record.

This suggests that Sea Battle would indeed be better kept to shorter trips with the 1600m Toorak Handicap or Emirates Stakes being ideal Spring targets. 

Photos: Fiona Tomlin

© Cyberhorse 2008 Bill Saunders Published 05/07/08

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Lamarr All Class at Cranbourne
03/07/08

Mark Kavanagh's winning run with two-year-olds continued at Cranbourne today with promising filly Lamarr scoring an impressive win in the Winning Edge Presentations 2YO Plate (1200m).

Despite being caught deep for the entire journey, Lamarr was able to hold out the late challenge from Cut and Run to win comfortably.

The win is yet another for Kavanagh's stable, who's recent juvenile winners in Victoria have included Dr Doute's, Whobegotyou and Cat's Whisker.

Significantly Lamarr is the first horse in the Kavanagh stable to race for powerful breeder and owner Gerry Harvey.

The filly was sent out the warm favourite on the strength of her eye catching debut run when a closing third in a metropolitan meeting at Bendigo on June 20.

Winning jockey Nicholas Ryan was impressed with the filly, in particular her fight close to the line after a tough run.

"She's pretty smart," Ryan noted. "She didn't have many favours, but she was very strong. She really stuck it out well."

"I came here today quite confident," he added.

"She's the type of filly who's always on the improve and there's more to come out of her."

Ryan said the youngster, named after former actress Hedy Lamarr, would "definitely" handle longer trips in the future.

Lamarr, by Sarrera and Viscount's sire Quest for Fame, is one two winners from two to race for well bred mare Lupenta.

A daughter of champion sire Danehill, Lupenta is a sister to group performer Dane Fever and half sister to this season's stakes winning juvenile Woppitt and former smart juvenile Swinging Bachelor.

Lupenta is from the group performer Campbell Fever, who in turn is a daughter of the Blue Diamond Stakes winner Midnight Fever.

PIC - Greg Irvine.

© Cyberhorse 2008 Greg Irvine Published 03/07/08

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Sea Battle Qualifies for Championship Final
28/05/08

Sea Battle, a horse described by trainer Mark Kavanagh as "held together with bandaids and chewing gum", handled a hard track and a bad barrier draw with ease at Flemington today to win Heat 7 of the VRC-CRV Winter Championship.

A powerful run out wide, coming from last on the turn blew away the smart field with Sea Battle ($6.00-$8.50-$8.00) going on to win by a widening 4¼ lengths from Snort  ($6.00-$8.00-$7.50) and In The Shadows ($15-$21).

Winning rider Nicholas Hall made a good tactical decision to ride Sea Battle from back in the field from his wide 16 barrier, even though part owner Barbara Bardon said she'd never seen her horse running last before.

"He didn't give me many instructions", Hall replied when asked what Kavanagh had told him to do.

"He left it up to me from the gate."

"There was plenty of speed on with McLurch and Prospect and those sort of horses."

"I thought from that gate I didn't have much option but to go back."

"Knowing there was a bit of speed I thought I would be back mid-field but not as far back as I did."

"He just proved way too strong."

Before the race, Kavanagh was concerned that the track was too firm for Sea Battle which has had his own battle with soundness issues.

After the race, he was making plans for Sea Battle to back up at Flemington in a week for the $200,000 Final of the Winter Championship to be run over 1600m.

"Looks like he's qualified now", Kavanagh proudly proclaimed, after hoping that he might sneak into the final by running a place.

"He really rode him well and summed the situation up pretty good."

"I thought he'd be mid-field and wide."

"He elected to go back and certainly that's the best run he's had for me."

"It was a pretty emphatic win."

"With a bit of luck if he pulls up good we'll go around next Saturday."

"He's really starting to race himself into fitness now."

Nicholas Hall is in the box seat to get the ride on Sea Battle again next weekend as stable rider Michael Rodd is likely to be too heavy to ride.

Racing Victoria Chief Handicapper Greg Carpenter confirmed that Sea Battle would most likely be allotted 53 or 54kg, under Rodd's preferred 55kg limit.

Owners Barbara Bardon and Peter Parker flew down from Sydney to watch their horse win.

Formerly trained by Guy Walter in Sydney, they elected last year to transfer Sea Battle to Kavanagh. 

"We weren't getting a fair go in Sydney so we thought we'll go down to Melbourne", they decided.

Bardon and Parker purchased Sea Battle after the Inglis Ready To Run Sale in 2005.

"He didn't go through the sale because he failed the vet", Bardon explained.

"You don't take much notice of vets do you?"

Maybe the answer is to take heed of the vet's advice and give the horse to trainer who can work around the horse's weaknesses. 

Photos: Fiona Tomlin

© Cyberhorse 2008 Bill Saunders Published 28/06/08

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Whobegotyou to rest after great win
23/06/08

In form trainer Mark Kavanagh is likely to spell exciting juvenile Whobegotyou after he cruised home in the Quest Moonee Valley Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.

Sent out the favourite after a brilliant debut win the Geelong Thoroughtrack in late May, Whobegotyou made a quick dash around the field approaching the turn and set up a winning break at the top of the straight.

Top senior rider Nicholas Ryan allowed the promising gelding to cruise to the line under his own steam and he won easily.

Owned by Sunbury based earth moving businessman Laurence Eales, Whobegotyou is almost certain to head to the paddock for a break.

"I still think there is good improvement in him," a delighted Mark Kavanagh said.

"We've always had a good opinion of him."

"He can go to the paddock for a little rest now and we might look at something in the spring for him," Kavanagh added.

"It was a good win. He sustained a long run, but I was confident he'd be able to do it."

"I'm not that worried about horses being trapped deep at Moonee Valley."

"It all turned out okay."

Kavanagh said Whobegotyou had come a long way in a short time and he was looking forward to the future with the chestnut.

"This is his first real preparation. He's done a great job and I'm confident there's a good future ahead for him."

Whobegotyou ($3.20-$4.20-$4 fav) cruised home to beat Georgia's Boy ($8-$9) by a length and a half.

Third home was the drifting second favourite Heart of Dreams ($3.90-$5) a further length and a half behind the runner-up.

The best supported runner in the race, Barry Barnes' Buckets ($7-$8-$6.50) was the best of the unplaced brigade in fourth position.

Whobegotyou, by Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense's sire Street Cry, is one of two winners from three to race for the French stakes performed Carnegie mare Temple of Peace.

Further back his family takes in classy international group winners including Cuddles, Cause to Believe, Buffythecentrefold, Tap to Music, Northern Afleet, Bear's Kid and Katz Me If You Can.

© Cyberhorse 2008 Greg Irvine Published 21/06/08

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Kav's Sea wins Sandown Battle
14/06/08

Tough entire Sea Battle could head to the rich Winter Championship after a strong win in the $60,000 Le Pine Funeral Services Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Saturday.

The Mark Kavanagh trained four-year-old has been a revelation since coming to Victoria and joining the state's leading stable of Group One winners.

And there looks to be more wins in store this campaign for the son of Quest for Fame who handles all track conditions and relishes those with give.

"It was a good win," Kavanagh said. "He had to cart them along behind the leaders and then kick away again."

Sent out the favourite, Sea Battle showed great fighting capabilities when challenged about a furlong from home by the last start Flemington winner Packing Supreme.

"Being down in the weights really helped him," Kavanagh said. "He relished the claim and was able to pull away at the finish."

Kavanagh was confident leading into the race that he had the horse to beat after his recent excellent first up second.

"He'd trained on well and I knew he loved the wet tracks. He was really suited at the weights and I virtually thought he was a good thing."

At the line Sea Battle ($2.60-$3.10 fav) held a length and a quarter margin over the in form and well backed Packing Supreme ($8-$6.50).

Third home was another heavily backed runner Bird Dancer ($9-$6.50), a further half length back.

Kavanagh said the Winter Championship could be an option for Sea Battle who looks to have a nice campaign ahead of him over the coming months.

"It's an option that's for sure. We'll see how he pulls up and perhaps look at a qualifying race."

"Any horse who can handle the wet and run a strong mile would be suited - he might fit the mould."

"He has got definite improvement in him. He was probably what I'd consider a run short today."

Sea Battle, formerly based in Sydney with Guy Walter, is raced by Sydneysiders Barbara Bardon and Peter Parker.

The horse has been in great form since joining Kavanagh - he hasn't missed a cheque in his six runs which includes wins at Caulfield and Sandown.

Sea Battle's overall career record has been boosted to four wins and six minor placings from 19 starts for earnings of $135,770.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.

© Cyberhorse 2008 Greg Irvine Published 14/06/08

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Two On End for Dr Doute's
24/05/08

Purchased cheaply because his legs weren't straight, Dr Doutes proved Mark Kavanagh's gamble worthwhile when he won his second race from two starts at Moonee Valley this afternoon.

Starting equal second favourite with Paddy O'Reilly at $6.50, Dr Doute's was taken to the lead on the home turn by Michael Rodd.

Knowing that the favourite Tindal ($2.50-$2.60-$2.40F) was in a pocket behind him, Rodd opened up a 2 length break in a winning move.

Tindal tried valiantly to bridge the gap but was still a length short of victory on the line, beating Paddy O'Reilly by a half length into third place.

By Redoute's Choice from the Dr Grace mare No Limit, Dr Doutes was yet another astute purchase for his trainer Mark Kavanagh from the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.

Dr Doutes reminded Kavanagh of another Redoute's Choice youngster he purchased in Adelaide, the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Undoubtedly.

Kavanagh purchased him off the one bid of $150,000.

"He had a bit of a twisted leg and the talk of the sale was that was the reserve", Kavanagh said.

"No one was on him and actually a lot of people laughed at me when I bought him."

"Everyone else in the ring thought that I was running him up for the owners."

Asked if he had a lot of success with horses with such problems, Kavanagh pointed out that he started his training career in Mt Gambier with a stable full of them.

"Not all good horses have to have perfect legs and there are certain things you must forgive if you're going to buy a horse", he said.

"There are plenty of good horses that have had turned out legs."

"I picked him the way he moved and it certainly hasn't affected him today."

I've got a pretty high opinion of him.

He had the top weight and the widest alley today.

I think this will turn out to be a pretty strong form race for Moonee Valley in May.

There's still a bit of maturing in him

I might give him one more at Flemington and then head him to the Spring.

Kavanagh stable jockey Michael Rodd rode Dr Doutes a treat, ensuring a clear run to the post while keeping Tindal pocketed behind him.

Rodd won on promising two year old Whobegotyou at Geelong yesterday, which is the first one he's ridden for the stable since he was sidelined by a mystery ailment early this year.

"Its unusual that the stable jockey goes out when he hasn't ridden a winner for me for 6 months and we're still talking", Kavanagh quipped.

Photos: Fiona Tomlin

© Cyberhorse 2008 Bill Saunders Published 24/05/08

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Whobegotyou Brilliant on Debut
23/05/08

Flemington trainer Mark Kavanagh unearthed his third impressive debuting two-year-old winner from as many weeks when the promising Whobegotyou scored an eye catching win in the Bay FM Super Vobis Plate (1100m) at Geelong today.

After getting back in the field after a tardy getaway, Whobegotyou then produced a whirlwind finish after a wide run to reel in the leaders in the straight before dashing clear for a brilliant win.

So fast was Whobegotyou ($8) finishing that by the time the line was reached he held an increasing one and three quarter length margin over runner-up Sherpa ($4.60).

The favourite and early leader Ocean Journey ($3.80) was another half neck back in third place.

"He'd shown us some good ability at home," Kavanagh noted. "I thought he'd make into a lovely three-year-old."

"The plan today was to let him find his feet early and make some ground at the finish - but boy did he reel them in well," he added.

Kavanagh said the gelded son of Street Cry will most likely have another run before a break.

"We'll probably look for another race for him and then he might have a break. I think his best is still to come with maturity."

Winning rider Michael Rodd was delighted with the strong finishing win.

"He's a nice young horse who looks to have a bright future," Rodd commented. "You'd say he'd be up to better class in the future."

Cheering Whobegotyou home from his base at Sunbury was earth moving businessman Laurence Eales, 

Whobegotyou, by Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense's sire Street Cry, is one of two winners from three to race for the French stakes performed Carnegie mare Temple of Peace.

Further back his family takes in classy international group winners including Cuddles, Cause to Believe, Buffythecentrefold, Tap to Music, Northern Afleet, Bear's Kid and Katz Me If You Can.

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Tobouggie Continues Stables Winning Ways
19/05/08

Mark Kavanagh's Adelaide stable unearthed another impressive debutant over the weekend in the shape of runaway Morphettville winner Tobouggie Woogie.

Two weeks after cheering home the exciting Redoute's Choice colt Dr Doute's, it was the turn of Tobouggie Woogie to impress racegoers.

From a wide barrier the filly was forced to race three deep throughout, but in the end that would be no problem as she easily won.

"It was a really good win," stable foreman Sam Kavanagh said. "She'd shown good ability in her trackwork and we were hopeful she would run well."

Tobouggie Woogie ($3 fav) cruised home two and three quarter lengths clear of Go Lizzy ($6), while Swoop and Destroy ($5.50) was another three parts of a length back in third place.

The promising youngster has pulled up in great style from her racetrack debut and the stable is eyeing off a black type event for her second start.

"We'll look at giving her a run in a listed race here in Adelaide in a few weeks and then give her a break," Kavanagh said.

"She's a filly we'd nominate for the Thousand Guineas - I think she's got good upside," he added.

Tobouggie Woogie, by former top class international juvenile Tobougg, is a well related youngster.

She is one of two winners, from two runners, for the winning Royal Academy mare Regal Flute.

Regal Flute is a full sister to the Toorak Park Stud owned Thousand Guineas winner Serious Speed and a half sister to the dam of sprinting stakes winner Victory Chant.

Tobouggie Woogie's second dam, the Kendor mare Twitter, won the listed HC Nitschke Stakes in Adelaide as a three-year-old.

Saturday's juvenile star is raced by her breeders Harry Perks, Trevor Robertson and Rod Fairclough, who breed under the Toorak Park Stud banner.

Meanwhile, Kavanagh's Flemington stable continued their recent good form with a winner and close up second placegetter from two runners at Ballarat on Thursday.

Camarilla's half brother Emmy Award led the way with a brilliant win in the Bunch of Grapes Hotel Handicap (1400m).

With Nicholas Ryan in the saddle, Emmy Award romped away in the straight to beat his rivals by a widening four and a quarter lengths.

"He has his share of soundness issues, but he's going well and the win was as easy as you'd like to see," trainer Mark Kavanagh said.

"Hopefully he can continue on through the winters months and win some more races," he added.

Emmy Award's win came after promising stablemate Invinciblekindness beat all but Meld in the Golfhouse Hotel Plate (1000m).

Judging by his closing finish it looks as though a win won't be far away for Invinciblekindness.

Pic courtesy of Atkins Photography.

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Our Saint Marches In
06/05/08

Former New South Wales galloper Our Saint kicked away his account in Victoria with a thrilling win in the Ballarat Auto Wreckers Class 1 Handicap (1200m) at Ballarat on Saturday.

The Mark Kavanagh trained four-year-old gave comeback jockey Nicholas Ryan plenty to cheer about when he got home first.

In a driving finish on a deteriorating track Our Saint ($5) was able to beat runner-up Mannerheim ($8) by a half head, while Redi Zedi Dash ($4.60) was a further three lengths back in third place.

Our Saint was having just his second start for Kavanagh, having raced on nine occasions in New South Wales for a win and five placings beforehand.

Kavanagh was delighted with the win and has been super impressed with how the four-year-old had pulled up from the tough run.

"He's pulled up very well from Saturday's win," Kavanagh said.

"I'll just see how he does in the next few days before choosing the next suitable race for him," he added.

Kavanagh said the win should give the recent stable acquisition much needed confidence as he raced on this preparation.

By Royal Academy and from the Don't Say Halo mare Perfect Halo, Our Saint is the only winner to date for his dam.

Perfect Halo won four races during her career - all in Sydney - and was four times stakes placed.

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Dr Doute's Impresses on Debut
05/05/08

Dr Doute's made the perfect start to his racing career with a dominant win in the Williams Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Handicap (1000m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

A $150,000 buy from last year's Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville, Dr Doute's found plenty over the concluding stages when required under in form comeback rider Simon Price.

Stable foreman Sam Kavanagh said the son of super sire Redoute's Choice had shown some good signs in track work and connections were hoping that could be replicated on the race track.

"We were thinking he could run a big race," Kavanagh said. "He'd shown some nice ability in track work, but I guess you never know until they get to the races."

"One thing I'm sure of though is that he will improve as he gets further, judging by his pedigree and his work."

"We were originally thinking of running him at 1200 (metres) first up because he'd be suited at the distance - but we decided that would be a bit too hard for a two-year-old at their first start."

"He's always shown tremendous ability and I'm sure he will improve with racing experience."

Kavanagh said Dr Doute's was originally in work late last year, but was tipped out before making his debut.

"He won a jump out on Christmas Eve," Kavanagh pointed out. 

"But he pulled up a bit shin sore and we decided to give him time rather than push on."

"We thought by doing the right thing by the horse would reap rewards later on."

Future plans for Dr Doute's are unsure at present - but Kavanagh Senior will check the calendar for suitable races over the coming weeks.

"He's pulled up well and ate up well."

"There's a number of different options," Kavanagh added. "Ultimately the horse will be better as a three-year-old and at a mile."

Dr Doute's is the third winners from three foals to race for the seven time Sydney winning and stakes performed Dr Grace mare No Limit.

Photos courtesy of Jenny Barnes.

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Harmony Aces Rivals at Geelong
12/04/08

Leading trainer Mark Kavanagh predicted a step up to city class for Ace Harmony after his impressive win at Geelong yesterday.

At his second career outing, the son of O'Reilly accelerated brilliantly when he found a split late in the race to grab the leader with about 100 metres to run.

Sent out one of the popular elects after his encouraging debut run when second at Kyneton late last month, Ace Harmony went one better this time.

"This horse is going to be better when he gets out to a bit of a trip," Kavanagh said. 

"Once he balanced up and he got on with his job in the straight he found the line hard," he added.

"He's pretty promising."

"We thought he might have been looking for 1400 metres now - he seems to have a bit of promise so we'll have a look how he pulls up and go from there."

Kavanagh is confident the talented young performer is capable of stepping up to metropolitan grade.

"He's got to be city class. We'll look at something at around 1450 somewhere and give him a try at that," Kavanagh summed up.

Ace Harmony, a three-year-old, is by leading New Zealand sire O'Reilly - who's other star performers include Group One winners Alamosa, Guyno, Master O'Reilly, The Jewel and Final Destination.

He is a full brother to the five time winner and twice Group placed Spinner's Magic.

Their dam Anne of Tudor, by Twig Moss, is a half sister to Group Two winners Hermod and Orsay as well as the dams of stakes winners Hire, Lease and Prankster.

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Sale Coup: Madonna for Millions
07/04/08

One of the world's great racemares - the mighty Divine Madonna - will go under the hammer at June's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast.

The daughter of Hurricane Sky, a four time Group One winner, was retired last week after suffering a muscle injury that cut shut her last racetrack preparation.

Purchased as a yearling from the Adelaide Yearling Sale by Mark Kavanagh, Divine Madonna established herself as one of the great Australian mares of the modern era - earning over $2 million from just 26 starts.

"She was an absolute delight to train," Kavanagh said today. "Not only a sensational racehorse, she was a real stable favourite."

"She's got the most wonderful temperament and she'll make the perfect broodmare," he added.

The mare will be offered at the auction by one of Australia's most historic and successful thoroughbred outfits Widden Stud.

Widden's Antony Thompson said he was delighted to be entrusted with the valuable broodmare prospect.

"We're honoured to be able to present the mare on behalf of her owners at the sale," he said. "She joins a quality draft of fillies and mares who will be heading north for the National Sale."

"She will be without doubt the best race filly or mare to be offered in Australia this year," Thompson added. "An outstanding mare who captured the imagination of racegoers."

"Her strong finishes were incredible to watch," he summed up.

Magic Millions managing director David Chester was delighted to learn the star mare would be gracing the Gold Coast sale ring in June.

"She's the mare of the year," Chester said. "We're honoured to be able to get her back to sell to the public as a broodmare after originally selling her as a yearling in Adelaide."

"There would be no better mare being offered at auction anywhere in the world this year than Divine Madonna."

"She's a four time Group One winner and she possessed the most paralysing finishing burst I've probably ever seen in a racehorse."

"Her sale will be one of the most anticipated thoroughbred auction events ever."

Divine Madonna is one of two Group winners from the top producing Pergo mare My Madonna.

A three time winner in her own right, My Madonna is also the dam of the Group Three Standish Handicap winner Blessum - a seven time winner of over $450,000.

Maduro, another of Divine Madonna's half brothers, notched up yet another city win in Adelaide on Saturday. He's now won eleven races and earned a tick under a quarter of a million dollars.

Divine Madonna is just one of the many stand out entries for the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Many dozens of stakes mares have been entered for the auction which will be held from June 2-6.

"This sale is now firmly established as the number one breeding stock sale of the Southern Hemisphere," Chester commented.

"The weanling and yearlings sale components to the National Sale have assembled some truly outstanding entries as well."

Magic Millions release

PICS - Fiona Tomlin

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Private Liaison Impresses at Cheltenham
06/04/08

Private Liaison continued his rise through racing's ranks yesterday with a solid win in the Patricks/Dunes Handicap (1000m) at Cheltenham in Adelaide.

With replacement rider Matthew Neilson in the saddle, Private Liaison showed great fight over the concluding stages to beat Sheeza Peril by a half head, while Noble Mistress was another short neck back in third place.

The win was the third for the regally bred colt at his seventh career run.

Sam Kavanagh, Adelaide foreman for his Flemington based father Mark, was impressed with the win.

"The rider dropped his whip at the 300 so the effort to finish like he did was first class," Kavanagh said.

Kavanagh said he would look through the calendar for a suitable next run for Private Liaison - but he's keen to space his runs.

"He seems to go very fresh - so we'll look at something in about three weeks," he noted.

Private Liaison is a sensationally bred three-year-old.

His sire Rock of Gibraltar, by Danehill, holds the world record for consecutive Group One victories and has been represented by Group One winners in both hemispheres.

In Australia his stakes winners include Gamble Me, Murtajill, Musidora, Pillar of Hercules and Sliding Cube while his South African Group One winner Seventh Rock is Aussie bred.

Private Liaison's dam, the Royal Academy mare Regal Kiss, won six races during her career including four at two.

She is best remembered for winning the Group Two Reisling Slipper Trial Stakes at Rosehill and a trio of stakes wins in Adelaide headed by the Group Three RN Irwin Stakes.

Regal Kiss is a half sister to two stakes winners including the Mark Kavanagh trained Blue Diamond Stakes winner Undoubtedly.

Pics courtesy of www.barnesphotography.com.au 

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Divine Madonna retired
01/04/08

Australia’s leading miler Divine Madonna will be retired after sustaining an injury in the past 24 hours.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh this morning confirmed the injury and said the daughter of Hurricane Sky would be immediately retired after a stunning race career.

“We discovered she’d pulled muscles across her back and while the injury isn’t usually considered that serious, it is enough to end her career,” Kavanagh said.

“The usual prognosis on this sort of injury is three months – and that was the time frame we had on the remainder of her racing career,” he added.

Connections of the mare were eyeing off a trip to England to contest the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose her while she had some good racing ahead of her through the Doncaster and possibly to England, but it wasn’t to be.”

Divine Madonna, an earner of over $2 million, is regarded as one of the finest milers Australia has produced over recent seasons and she is a fan amongst punters with her typical whirlwind finishes.

“She was the loveliest mare to train,” Kavanagh said. “It has been a great ride since I purchased her as a yearling from the Magic Millions Sale in Adelaide.”

“She turned into a real stable favourite over the past few seasons. All of our staff will miss her a lot,” Kavanagh summed up.

Divine Madonna, from just 26 starts, won eight races and was a minor placegetter on seven other occasions. She won her connections over $2 million.

She is best remembered for her come from behind wins in the Emirates Stakes, Queen of the Turf Stakes, Myer Classic and Toorak Handicap – all at Group One level.

“I think she will become a fantastic broodmare and I can look forward to seeing her foals over the seasons to come.”

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Kav Club to bring racing to new audience
11/03/08

Mark Kavanagh, Australia's leading Group 1 winning trainer this season, today announced the launch of the Mark Kavanagh Racing Club.

"I strongly believe that we have to introduce ownership to a new audience", Kavanagh said.

"While syndication is great, there is a lot of paperwork, the lowest entry point for a new owner is thousands of dollars and then they have to wait over 12 months to see their horse racing."

The Mark Kavanagh Racing Club includes Group 1 winners, Maldivian, Divine Madonna and Devil Moon as well as proven stakes performers Believe'N'Succeed and Tipungwuti among its 10 horses.

For their annual membership fee of $99 Kavanagh Club members get regular email reports on Club horses as well as being able to participate in stable visits, attend trackwork and race days and enjoy social activities.

"We think that during the year our members will gain a solid education in what it means to be an owner without the expense", said Kavanagh.

"I'm hopeful that many of our members will become owners in a real sense once they have an understanding of what its all about", he went on.

Kavanagh thinks that the Mark Kavanagh Racing Club is potentially the model to encourage greater racetrack attendance.

"Having a horse racing is the only way I can think of to encourage people to consistently go to the track", said Kavanagh.

"I've had some big ownership groups in some of my horses and believe me, they can light up the mounting yard when their horse wins."

"There's not a lot of atmosphere at many race meetings today, so if we can attract a crowd it can only be good for racing", he concluded.

The Mark Kavanagh Racing Club is a joint venture between the Kavanagh Group Pty Ltd and well known racing web site Cyberhorse. The web site is at www.kavanaghracingclub.com.

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Impressive SA Win for Kavanagh's Blue Blood
03/03/08

The nation's leading Group One trainer, Mark Kavanagh scored another win in his home state of South Australia on Sunday.

Son and Morphettville foreman Sam saddled up the well bred Private Liaison to win the Coopers Brewery Handicap (1000m).

Well handled by Chad Lever, Private Liaison ($2.60 eq fav) was able to come through on the inside of runners to beat Circled ($6) by a half length.

Lucenup ($16) was another half head back in third place, while the other $2.60 equal favourite Graskey was the best of the unplaced brigade in fourth position.

A colt by Danehill's record breaking sire son Rock of Gibraltar, Private Liaison is a son of Royal Academy's Group winning daughter Regal Kiss.

Regal Kiss won four races during her career including a fantastic victory in the Group Two Reisling Slipper Trial at Rosehill.

She is a half sister to two group winners including Kavanagh's Blue Diamond Stakes winner Undoubtedly.

Private Liaison has two wins on his race record from just six starts with the promise of more to come.

Last September at just his second outing he rattled home for an eye catching win at metropolitan level.

Private Liaison is raced by Anthony Fedele, John Purdey, Alan Taylor, Vanessa Walker, Frank Pergoleto, Harry Perks and Isobel Kavanagh.

PIC - Fiona Tomlin.

© Cyberhorse 2008 Greg Irvine Published 03/03/08

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Maldivian out until spring
25/02/08

Outstanding galloper Maldivian will be sidelined until the Spring Carnival later in the year after the son of Zabeel was found to be suffering a leg injury.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh has confirmed scans have revealed the former Australian Cup favourite has a hairline fracture to a knee.

“It is very mild,” Kavanagh stated. “He’s being spelled immediately and won't be seen until the spring.”

“He will be brought back and be set for races like the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate,” Kavanagh said.

“Vets expect him to make a 100 per cent recovery because they have caught it in its infancy.”

Meanwhile, Kavanagh reports group winning juvenile Believe’N’Succeed has been spelled after her gallant on speed fourth in Saturday’s Group One Blue Diamond Stakes.

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Blue Diamond Final Field
19/02/08

7-04.10 ARROWFIELD STUD BLUE DIAMOND STAKES (1200 METRES)
Of $1000000 and $15000 trophy. 1st $600000 and trophy of $15000, 2nd $180000, 3rd $90000, 4th $45000,
5th $25000, 6th $20000, 7th $20000, 8th $20000.
For Two-Years-Old. Set Weights. (GROUP 1).

1 EXCEEDINGLY GOOD Lee Freedman Corey Brown (1) 55.5
2 REAAN David Hayes Dwayne Dunn (10) 55.5
3 WILANDER Lee Freedman Luke Nolen (5) 55.5
4 ALL AMERICAN David Hayes Brad Rawiller (6) 55.5
5 MINNESOTA SHARK Tom Hughes Sebastian Murphy (a) (9) 55.5
6 BEYNAC Pat Hyland Sam Hyland (13) 55.5
7 HIPS DON'T LIE (NZ) David Hayes Craig Williams (7) 53
8 MARVEEN Robert Smerdon Vlad Duric (3) 53
9 BELIEVE'N'SUCCEED Mark Kavanagh Stephen Baster (14) 53
10 SIENNAS FURY Leon Corstens James Winks (11) 53
11 BURGEIS Tony Vasil Danny Brereton (12) 53
12 PACHANGA (NZ) David Hayes Steven King (8) 53
13 OKAYLAH Lee Freedman Damien Oliver (4) 53
14 CHILEAN MISS Clinton McDonald Larry Cassidy (2) 53

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Kavanagh's Blue Diamond Chances Improve
10/02/08 by Greg Irvine

Mark Kavanagh's chances of winning his second Blue Diamond Stakes shortened dramatically at Caulfield yesterday when Believe'N'Succeed scored a dashing all the way win in the Group Three Prelude for fillies.

After an exceptional getaway from the barriers, the daughter of Exceed and Excel was able to cross from barrier eight and from there took control of the race.

Rider Stephen Baster always knew the filly was carving out solid sectionals and her overall time told the story.

Her winning time of 1:03.70 was two-tenths of a second quicker than Wilander clocked in winning the Prelude for colts and geldings.

"How quick was that," Kavanagh beamed after the race.

"Gee it was just fantastic - she was so fast!"

Kavanagh, who won the 2005 Blue Diamond with Undoubtedly, was delighted with the performance and has good reason to be looking forward to the Group One event in a fortnight.

"She might be good. She carved out some sectionals," he said.

"She came on really well from the other day (when third in the Diamond Preview on debut) and was quite impressive. I'm impressed."

"I just have to hope she pulls up well and comes on from the win as we head to the Diamond - it's still two weeks away."

Also impressed were bookmakers with Betstar slashing her Diamond price from $13 to $8.

Wilander and Exceedingly Good, who ran the quinella in the other Prelude, share favouritism at $5.

After leading into the straight Believe'N'Succeed ($9) cruised home by a 1-3/4 lengths from Sugar Babe ($5).

The well-backed favourite Burgeis ($4.60 fav) was third, a further long neck back on the outside.

Believe'N'Succeed was purchased by Kavanagh for $300,000 at last year's Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.

"She cost $300,000 - the second most expensive horse I've bought, a tick under Tipungwuti ($310,000) cost as a yearling," he said.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.

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Believe'N'Succeed stakes placed in Preview
28/01/08

Exceed And Excel filly Believe'N'Succeed made an auspicious start to her racing career on Saturday when stakes placed in the Listed $100,500 MRC Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies).

The speedy two-year-old missed the major prize by just a nose and short head in a chaotic finish where little separated the first five fillies across the line.

Long shot Siennas Fury ($61) closed late down the outside to nose out Merson Cooper winner Marveen who had dived between leader (and eventual fourth) Woppitt and Believe'N'Succeed in third.

The fillies covered the 1000 metre course in a creditable 0:57.65, a full second quicker than that recorded by Reaan who was untroubled to win the colts division by five lengths.

Believe'N'Succeed is a member of the first crop of Danehill's champion sprint son Exceed And Excel.  The Darley based sire has made a phenomenal start to his stud career siring stakes winners Exceedingly Good and Sugar Babe amongst his first runners as well as the highly fancied Blue Diamond aspirant Wilander.

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New Rider for Tipungwuti
23/01/08

Group winner Tipungwuti will have a new rider for Friday night’s Group Two Carlyon Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Michael Rodd, who was originally booked to ride the son of Fusaichi Pegasus, has been struck down with an untimely illness and will not be riding over the weekend.

Rodd was also scheduled to ride the stable’s unraced juvenile Believe’n’succeed in the Group Three Blue Diamond Preview on Saturday.

“Corey Brown has picked up the ride aboard Tipungwuti for Friday night,” Kavanagh stated this evening.

“It’s a shame Michael can’t ride him, but Corey is an excellent replacement and we’ve had some success together already in similar circumstances.”

Brown came off the “interchange bench” during the recent spring carnival to ride classy mare Devil Moon in her Group One victory in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

On that occasion Hugh Bowman was scheduled to ride the mare but was struck down with food poisoning.

Stephen Baster will ride stablemate Maldivian in the Carlyon.

Meanwhile, Kavanagh said Baster would ride the unraced juvenile Believe’n’succeed in Saturday’s Group Three Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield.

Baster will also ride Kavanagh’s two runners at Sale tomorrow – Nadobe and True Celebre.

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Kavanagh Juvenile Catapults into Millions Contention
12/01/2008

Catapulted will be set for the $400,000 Schweppes Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic (1200m) at Morphettville in March after scoring a thrilling win at the same track in the Cleanevent Plate (1050m) today.

Trained by prominent two state horseman Mark Kavanagh, Catapulted got home in a desperately close finish to beat the well fancied Phillip Stokes runner Super Satin.

Stable foreman Sam Kavanagh, who thought his runner may have been beaten when the finish was shown on the big screen, was thrilled with the victory.

"He's owned by a great group," Kavanagh said. "Some have been clients before who haven't bad the best of luck and then there's one there from Divine Madonna as well."

Catapulted, who like last night's runaway Moonee Valley winner Burgeis is by Danehill's ill fated Golden Slipper winning son Catbird, had shown promise in gallops prior to today's event.

"Early on he showed us good ability and it's nice to see him come to the races today and win," Kavanagh reported.

Catapulted ($6-$5) got home by a nose to beat Super Satin ($2.50-$4.20), while Aqaleem ($8-$12) was third, a further three parts of a length back.

The favourite Crusing Eagle ($4-$6-$4) was fifth home - 2.8 lengths from the winner.

A $90,000 purchase from the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale Catapulted is heading for better races.

"We'll see how he pulls up first before we decide where to head next," Kavanagh noted.

"He could head to a listed race in a couple of weeks, or perhaps have a little break."

"But he's being aimed at the Magic Millions Adelaide race," he summed up.

Catapulted is yet another successful Kavanagh galloper purchased from the leading South Australian thoroughbred nursery Mill Park.  He follows in the footsteps of stable stars including Devil Moon and Divine Madonna who also grew up on the Meningie property.

Mill Park will offer a Hussonet half brother to Catapulted at the 2008 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.  The Hussonet colt is the latest yearling from the well related Umatilla mare Siren Miss.  A winner at 1400 metres, Siren Miss, is a full sister to stakes winner Umatune - the dam of Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic winner and proven stakes winner Jestatune.

Story and pictures by Greg Irvine (c)

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Showcase win for Nadobe
24/12/2007

Jockey Stephen Baster continued his winning run for the Kavanagh stable yesterday when he steered Nadobe home in the "The Big Group" Handicap (1300m) at Seymour - a $20,000 "showcase" event.

Making the most of an absence created by a holidaying Michael Rodd, Baster notched what was his third win from his last four starts for the stable with a well-rated front running ride.

Nadobe, having his first start for the Kavanagh stable, kicked clear in the straight and registered a length win over Eight Reals with Sulawesi a further length and a quarter away in third.

"I thought on paper there might be a bit of pace, but I wanted to roll forward - they left me alone and he was too good for them," said Baster of his only ride for the day.

"He had won a trial and the stable thought he should run well. There's good money in showcase races and if they can pick out a few more races like that they're laughing".

Nadobe, a four-year-old gelding by Belong To Me, joined the Kavanagh stable after doing his early racing in provincial New South Wales.  Prior to his "showcase" victory he had won as a two-year-old at Hawkesbury and been placed three times in thirteen starts.

Nadobe races in the same ownership as stablemate Little Baldy (Mr TM Marciano, Mr AJ Marciano, Mr S Vartuli and Mr DM Zrna) a seven-year-old gelding who has accumulated nearly $220,000 in stakes.

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Kenwick Stays Too Well at Morphettville
19/12/07

Talented stayer Kenwick won his third race and his first in town when he scored a determined win in the Morphett Arms Hotel Handicap (2029m) at Morphettville today.

A member of the red hot Mark Kavanagh stable, Kenwick got home by a long neck to beat Benefit Road, while Keepthedreamalive was a further three parts of a length back in third place.

A winner of three of his past four runs, Kenwick is raced by breeder Ross Cribb.

He is a half brother to former smart stablemate Sadler Joh - who was stakes placed in Adelaide before ultimately heading a jumps career in Melbourne.

"There didn't appear to be much speed in the race so I told Simon (Price) to lead," foreman Sam Kavanagh said. "He rode him beautifully, rating him well in the lead."

"He kicked clear in the straight and held them out by about half a length."

"We're not sure what to do with him now," Kavanagh commented. "We'll see how he pulls up, check the calendar and work something out."

The stable went close to a double when Coco Command finished second in the ANZ Business Banking Handicap.

The last start winner made good ground in the straight from back in the field to beat all but former Victorian For Now - who was four and a half kilograms better at the weights than the runner-up.

Coco Command has a win, a second and a third from his three runs this preparation.

"He ran well and he's in good form. With a bit of luck he'll be back in the winner's stall soon."

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Change Of Tactics Successful For Princess Marizza
15/12/2007

A change of gear and different riding tactics was the key to a mini form reversal by Princess Marizza, which won the Tellimed Handicap at Flemington this afternoon.

Coming from last in the small 8 horse field at the 400m mark, Princess Marizza ($5.00-$6.50) circled the field to win going away by 3 lengths, with Partiva ($4.40-$5.00-$4.40) second and a length to third placed Britomart ($9-$10).

Favourite Just Curious led until the 400m but then faded quickly when challenged and finished last.

"The thing with her is she's a small horse and she needs to get back and get to the outside and not be crowded up", said Princess Marizza's trainer Mark Kavanagh.

"Last start Michael Rodd rode her up right on the pace and she was crowded right up and didn't go on with it."

Kavanagh tried Princess Marizza in blinkers for the first time today, taking off the winkers which she had been racing in previously. He also replaced Michael Rodd with Stephen Baster who was successful on Sea Battle for the stable at Caulfield last week.

"She's back to her racing pattern today, she's got right back and then around them and finished it off nicely", said Kavanagh.

Kavanagh is in a quandary about what to do with Princess Marizza, who has now won 4 of her 14 starts, all against her own sex.

"We'll just wait and see", he said.

"She's only a little thing."

"We can't stop in the mares grade too much as she'll get up in the weights a bit now."

Already stakes placed third in the Group 3 South Australian Oaks this year, Princess Marizza's future is probably in stakes races, but there are few around at this time of the year.

She is impeccably bred, being by Scenic, the sire of 588 winners and 61 stakes winners out of the stakes winning Nassipour mare Rose Of Marizza. Her second dam Countess Marizza was also a stakes winner twice at Group 2 level in the VRC Lightning Stakes and the VATC Chirnside Stakes.  This is also the extended family of six time Group One winner Durbridge, a star galloper of the early to mid nineties.

Photos: Fiona Tomlin 
© Cyberhorse 2007 Bill Saunders Published 15/12/07

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Sea Battle Enjoys His Change Of Stable
10/12/2007

Mark Kavanagh, currently Australia's leading Group 1 trainer for the season, had only two runners at Caulfield on Saturday, Flea Flicker and Sea Battle, both longshots.

While Flea Flicker finished last, Sea Battle made Kavanagh's day by taking out the Penny Edition Handicap with a gritty performance which saw him work hard at both ends of the race.

Unfancied by punters, Sea Battle ($13-$15) was sent forward from his outside barrier by rider Stephen Baster.

Baster found competition for the lead from the favourite Dollops and Drizzle, so elected to sit wide and let his mount relax.

Coming into the straight Sea Battle made his run to go past Drizzle, and was then a sitting duck for those running on. Newgrange ($9-$11) was the only horse able to challenge him, but Sea Battle had enough in hand to win by a head with 1¼ lengths to Drizzle ($9) which hung on to finish third.

"It was a big effort", said Baster.

"We drew wide and we didn't plan to ride him that far forward but all the boys kicked up inside me."

"I didn't have a lot of options."

"The way the track's been racing he got there nicely and I was worried the first couple of furlongs I'd done too much work, but he switched off nicely and relaxed and was always going strong."

"We got there probably a touch too soon."

"Drizzle was under pressure a long way out but he did hold on for a while luckily for us."

Kavanagh derived some confidence for today's race after a promising third from Sea Battle's only other run for the stable.

"It was a really good run at Ballarat the other day", said Kavanagh.

"He got back too far and finished it off hard on the outside fence."

"We thought he was a bit of a chance here today when it rained during the week."

Originally trained in Sydney by Guy Walter, where he won at Warwick Farm and Kembla Grange, Sea Battle's owners, Barbara Bardon and Peter Parker, decided to send him to Melbourne so they see him race.

After a brief stint with Tony Noonan at Mornington, Sea Battle was transfered to Kavanagh only a month ago and he has now run third at Ballarat and won at Caulfield from his only two runs for his new stable.

More wins are in store according to Kavanagh.

"He's not a bad horse."

"We'll have a look around but we won't get too excited at this stage."

"He's an improver and he's lightly raced so there's something else there."

Photos: Fiona Tomlin
© Cyberhorse 2007 Bill Saunders Published 08/12/07

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Coco Command Impressive At Cheltenham
28/11/2007

Talented four-year-old Coco Command broke his maiden status in style with a fast finishing win in the Schweppes Plate (1266m) at Cheltenham today.

At his fifth career outing, the talented performer was able to finish over the top of Vain Raja and draw away over the final 50 metres to win by a half length.

"He's had his share of problems and this is really his first proper racing preparation," Morphettville foreman Sam Kavanagh commented.

Kavanagh said the stable will now look to Coco Command to extend his winning form over the summer months as he takes part in one of the season's feature challenges.

"He'll head to the Star of Christmas Series now and hopefully through to the final at Cheltenham on Boxing Day," he confirmed.

Kavanagh said the gelding is raced by a good group of owners - a selection of first timers and others who raced former smart Adelaide performer Play to Win. Also in the ownership is co-breeder Chris Tucker from Little Hills Stud on the Yorke Peninsula.

Coco Command, who as his name suggests is by Woodlands Stud sire Commands, is a half brother to five winners including the Perth Gimcrack Stakes winner Western Zip.

His dam Canned Music, a winner in Adelaide, is a half sister to stakes performers including the 16 time winner, Adelaide track record breaker and American stakes winner Zephyr Art.

A winner of 16 races, Zephyr Art proved himself as one of the fastest sprinters to ever grace an Adelaide racetrack with a number of stunning sprint wins at distances to 1200 metres.

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Hong Kong plans shelved for Divine Madonna
07/11/2007

Trainer Mark Kavanagh will not travel to Hong Kong with his star mare Divine Madonna for December's International meeting, deciding instead to send the four time Group One winner to the paddock for a well earned spell.

Divine Madonna earned $633,250 from five starts this spring which included two majors - the Toorak Handicap and the Myer Classic. 

A five-year-old mare Divine Madonna has not been overtaxed throughout her career having no more than six starts in each of six racing preparations - a factor which is no doubt the key to her longevity.

Divine Madonna had two starts as a summer two-year-old before being spelled and did not reappear until the spring of her three-year-old year when she won her first stakes race.  She has competed successfully in stakes company ever since amassing over $2 million in prizes from 8 wins and 7 minor placings.

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Divine Madonna's Fourth Group One
03/11/2007 - www.virtualformguide.com

Divine Madonna claimed her fourth Group 1 win at Flemington this afternoon, taking out the Myer Classic with a typical last to first finishing burst.

Settled at the rear of the field by Michael Rodd, Divine Madonna ($1.70) finished over the top of her competitors to win by 1¼ lengths from Translate ($11) with Red For Lou ($31) two lengths away third.

Rodd complimented trainer Mark Kavanagh on his ability to send Divine Madonna out a winner in today's race after a tough run in last week's WS Cox Plate, where she ran seventh.

"Last Saturday it was a pretty hot day and mares aren't easy to train at the best of times", Rodd said.

"What Mark's done with this mare is just outstanding."

"Its her second Group 1 this preparation."

Rodd revealed that he had no qualms about dropping Divine Madonna out to the rear from her wide barrier.

"I knew I was on the best horse in the race and I rode her accordingly", he said.

"That's her style to get back and the way the track's racing it suited a swooper so I was very confident."

Kavanagh was his usual ebullient self after the race.
 

"Its pretty exciting to go into a Group 1 with your horse at $1.70 favourite", he said.

"She walked into the yard today like she owned the place."

"She was just sensational."

He also was unconcerned about Divine Madonna being back at the tail, especially considering the early pace in the race.

"They ran sub 11's there for a while and I thought if she hasn't taken any harm from last week she's going to finish it off good."

Divine Madonna was sold to Kavanagh for $82,500 at the 2004 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.

She has now raced 25 times for 8 wins and 7 placings, producing over $2 million in prizemoney earnings.

The win was the fourth Group 1 this season for Kavanagh, who will now aim his mare at international races in Hong Kong in December.

"We've got nothing else to do that month", he quipped.

Photos: Fiona Tomlin © Cyberhorse 2007 Bill Saunders Published 03/11/07

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Kav's Princess Crowned at the Valley
27/10/2007 - www.virtualformguide.com

Beautifully bred filly Princess Marizza delighted trainer Mark Kavanagh and her massive band of owners when she flew home to win the $75,600 God's Own Plate (1200m) at Moonee Valley this afternoon.

Having her first run since a gallant third placing to Watches in the Group Two South Australian Oaks at Morphettville in May, the daughter of Scenic came with a brilliant finishing burst over the final 500 metres to win in great style.

Read more at virtualformguide.com


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Final Preparation for Plate
26/10/2007

Star pair Divine Madonna and Devil Moon rounded out their preparation for tomorrow's $3 million Cox Plate with a relaxing afternoon at Mark Kavanagh's Flemington stables.

Last start Turnbull Stakes winner Devil Moon looked in sensational shape swimming a leisurely lap of the pool before joining her esteemed stable mate on the horse exerciser.  Both mares will go into the race, as promised by Kavanagh at Tuesday's barrier draw, in perfect order.

The current market set by Betstar shows Devil Moon at $7.50 and Divine Madonna at $14 on the fourth and sixth line of betting behind favourite Haradasun ($4).

Earlier in the day jockey Glen Boss failed to have a riding suspension overturned giving Dwayne Dunn the green light to ride Divine Madonna.  Dunn has ridden Divine Madonna several times throughout her career and was on board when she scored her  first ever stakes win the 2005 MRC Twilight Glow Stakes.  At his latest ride on the mare he was third beaten half a length by  Haradasun in the Doncaster Handicap in April.

Dunn has had a good association with the Kavanagh stable, steering Undoubtedly to success in the Group One MRC Blue Diamond in 2005.

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Cox Plate Barrier Draw
23/10/2007

The Kavanagh trained pair Devil Moon and Divine Madonna were the first two horses drawn at this morning's barrier draw for the 2007 Tattersall's Cox Plate and drew alongside each other in barrier 3 and 2 respectively.

For Devil Moon it is the closest she has drawn to the inside - jumping from 8, 12, 16 and 14 in her last four Melbourne starts.  The gate will certainly be of benefit although trainer Mark Kavanagh was quick to point out the mare is hardly a one trick pony and is equally adept at racing on the speed or coming from behind. 

Conversely come from behind mare Divine Madonna, who has herself jumped from barriers 8, 16 and 13 in three starts this spring, is not best suited in 2 but Kavanagh sees the gate as by and large irrelevant. 

"She'd go four strides and would drop out to last anyway," Kavanagh told diners at the Cox Plate breakfast.

Keen to put the disappointment of last Saturday's Caulfield Cup behind him Kavanagh has switched his focus to his two pronged attack in the Plate. 

When asked by Sport 927's Steve Moran if he was confident Kavanagh replied with a wry smile "I'm confident they'll both get out of the gates".

"To say I am inwardly confident would be rash in a race of this calibre," he continued "but I can say I will have my two horses presented in perfect order on Saturday."

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Puerto Banus Redeems at Seymour
21/10/2007

Encosta De Lago colt Puerto Banus earned a temporary reprieve from the surgeons knife today when he was successful in the Seymour Mitre 10 Handicap (1600m) on the Seymour Cup support card.

The lightly raced 3YO earned his chance at stakes level with an impressive four length maiden victory at Bendigo in September but disappointed in two subsequent starts - a fact largely attributed to the attitude that often accompanies colts during the spring time.

He was back on his game at Seymour however, settling mid-field on the fence with The Fonz setting a cracking speed up front.  Jockey Dwayne Dunn eased Puerto Banus off the fence and scouted wide in the straight, driving to the line along with Macsquire - bettering that horse in the end by a head and posting a three length margin back to Rosewood Prince in third.

"Before last start he worked within half a length of Devil Moon on the track, so you expected him to perform (in the VRC Super Impose Stakes) and he went disgracefully" said Dunn after unsaddling. "He hit the line nice today. Hopefully he stays a colt a little bit longer."

Puerto Banus, named after a wealthy holiday destination in Spain, is a member of the prolific stakes winning family of Denise's Joy - a family that includes Group One winners Thorn Park, World Peace, Euphoria, Joie Denise and Sunday Joy to name a few.

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Caulfield Cup Nightmare
20/10/2007

The dream run of the Kavanagh stable took on nightmarish proportions today when Caulfield Cup favourite Maldivian was scratched at the barrier and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the Spring.

The first to be loaded in the number one barrier Maldivian became fractious in the gates, rearing and lunging forward.  At the same time the publics attention was averted to Eskimo Queen who herself had gone down in, and been trapped underneath the gates.

When a horse, lead by the clerk of the course, appeared from behind the gates with blood streaming down it's neck it was some moments before the public realised that the horse was in fact Maldivian.  Eskimo Queen, freed from the gates, followed the big horse back to the mounting yard - the race robbed of it's first and second favourites.

Maldivian sustained a deep laceration behind his offside right ear which required ten stitches.  Whilst the injury will have no long term effect it is unlikely the son of Zabeel will appear again this spring.

A devastated Mark Kavanagh consoled himself with the fact that friend and fellow Flemington trainer Danny O'Brien provided the quinella in the race with Master O'Reilly first and Douro Valley second.

Divine Madonna's Fourth Group One
03/11/2007 - www.virtualformguide.com

Divine Madonna claimed her fourth Group 1 win at Flemington this afternoon, taking out the Myer Classic with a typical last to first finishing burst.

Settled at the rear of the field by Michael Rodd, Divine Madonna ($1.70) finished over the top of her competitors to win by 1¼ lengths from Translate ($11) with Red For Lou ($31) two lengths away third.

Rodd complimented trainer Mark Kavanagh on his ability to send Divine Madonna out a winner in today's race after a tough run in last week's WS Cox Plate, where she ran seventh.

"Last Saturday it was a pretty hot day and mares aren't easy to train at the best of times", Rodd said.

"What Mark's done with this mare is just outstanding."

"Its her second Group 1 this preparation."

Rodd revealed that he had no qualms about dropping Divine Madonna out to the rear from her wide barrier.

"I knew I was on the best horse in the race and I rode her accordingly", he said.

"That's her style to get back and the way the track's racing it suited a swooper so I was very confident."

Kavanagh was his usual ebullient self after the race.
 

"Its pretty exciting to go into a Group 1 with your horse at $1.70 favourite", he said.

"She walked into the yard today like she owned the place."

"She was just sensational."

He also was unconcerned about Divine Madonna being back at the tail, especially considering the early pace in the race.

"They ran sub 11's there for a while and I thought if she hasn't taken any harm from last week she's going to finish it off good."

Divine Madonna was sold to Kavanagh for $82,500 at the 2004 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.

She has now raced 25 times for 8 wins and 7 placings, producing over $2 million in prizemoney earnings.

The win was the fourth Group 1 this season for Kavanagh, who will now aim his mare at international races in Hong Kong in December.

"We've got nothing else to do that month", he quipped.

Photos: Fiona Tomlin © Cyberhorse 2007 Bill Saunders Published 03/11/07

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Kav's Princess Crowned at the Valley
27/10/2007 - www.virtualformguide.com

Beautifully bred filly Princess Marizza delighted trainer Mark Kavanagh and her massive band of owners when she flew home to win the $75,600 God's Own Plate (1200m) at Moonee Valley this afternoon.

Having her first run since a gallant third placing to Watches in the Group Two South Australian Oaks at Morphettville in May, the daughter of Scenic came with a brilliant finishing burst over the final 500 metres to win in great style.

Read more at virtualformguide.com


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Final Preparation for Plate
26/10/2007

Star pair Divine Madonna and Devil Moon rounded out their preparation for tomorrow's $3 million Cox Plate with a relaxing afternoon at Mark Kavanagh's Flemington stables.

Last start Turnbull Stakes winner Devil Moon looked in sensational shape swimming a leisurely lap of the pool before joining her esteemed stable mate on the horse exerciser.  Both mares will go into the race, as promised by Kavanagh at Tuesday's barrier draw, in perfect order.

The current market set by Betstar shows Devil Moon at $7.50 and Divine Madonna at $14 on the fourth and sixth line of betting behind favourite Haradasun ($4).

Earlier in the day jockey Glen Boss failed to have a riding suspension overturned giving Dwayne Dunn the green light to ride Divine Madonna.  Dunn has ridden Divine Madonna several times throughout her career and was on board when she scored her  first ever stakes win the 2005 MRC Twilight Glow Stakes.  At his latest ride on the mare he was third beaten half a length by  Haradasun in the Doncaster Handicap in April.

Dunn has had a good association with the Kavanagh stable, steering Undoubtedly to success in the Group One MRC Blue Diamond in 2005.

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Cox Plate Barrier Draw
23/10/2007

The Kavanagh trained pair Devil Moon and Divine Madonna were the first two horses drawn at this morning's barrier draw for the 2007 Tattersall's Cox Plate and drew alongside each other in barrier 3 and 2 respectively.

For Devil Moon it is the closest she has drawn to the inside - jumping from 8, 12, 16 and 14 in her last four Melbourne starts.  The gate will certainly be of benefit although trainer Mark Kavanagh was quick to point out the mare is hardly a one trick pony and is equally adept at racing on the speed or coming from behind. 

Conversely come from behind mare Divine Madonna, who has herself jumped from barriers 8, 16 and 13 in three starts this spring, is not best suited in 2 but Kavanagh sees the gate as by and large irrelevant. 

"She'd go four strides and would drop out to last anyway," Kavanagh told diners at the Cox Plate breakfast.

Keen to put the disappointment of last Saturday's Caulfield Cup behind him Kavanagh has switched his focus to his two pronged attack in the Plate. 

When asked by Sport 927's Steve Moran if he was confident Kavanagh replied with a wry smile "I'm confident they'll both get out of the gates".

"To say I am inwardly confident would be rash in a race of this calibre," he continued "but I can say I will have my two horses presented in perfect order on Saturday."

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Puerto Banus Redeems at Seymour
21/10/2007

Encosta De Lago colt Puerto Banus earned a temporary reprieve from the surgeons knife today when he was successful in the Seymour Mitre 10 Handicap (1600m) on the Seymour Cup support card.

The lightly raced 3YO earned his chance at stakes level with an impressive four length maiden victory at Bendigo in September but disappointed in two subsequent starts - a fact largely attributed to the attitude that often accompanies colts during the spring time.

He was back on his game at Seymour however, settling mid-field on the fence with The Fonz setting a cracking speed up front.  Jockey Dwayne Dunn eased Puerto Banus off the fence and scouted wide in the straight, driving to the line along with Macsquire - bettering that horse in the end by a head and posting a three length margin back to Rosewood Prince in third.

"Before last start he worked within half a length of Devil Moon on the track, so you expected him to perform (in the VRC Super Impose Stakes) and he went disgracefully" said Dunn after unsaddling. "He hit the line nice today. Hopefully he stays a colt a little bit longer."

Puerto Banus, named after a wealthy holiday destination in Spain, is a member of the prolific stakes winning family of Denise's Joy - a family that includes Group One winners Thorn Park, World Peace, Euphoria, Joie Denise and Sunday Joy to name a few.

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Caulfield Cup Nightmare
20/10/2007

The dream run of the Kavanagh stable took on nightmarish proportions today when Caulfield Cup favourite Maldivian was scratched at the barrier and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the Spring.

The first to be loaded in the number one barrier Maldivian became fractious in the gates, rearing and lunging forward.  At the same time the publics attention was averted to Eskimo Queen who herself had gone down in, and been trapped underneath the gates.

When a horse, lead by the clerk of the course, appeared from behind the gates with blood streaming down it's neck it was some moments before the public realised that the horse was in fact Maldivian.  Eskimo Queen, freed from the gates, followed the big horse back to the mounting yard - the race robbed of it's first and second favourites.

Maldivian sustained a deep laceration behind his offside right ear which required ten stitches.  Whilst the injury will have no long term effect it is unlikely the son of Zabeel will appear again this spring.

A devastated Mark Kavanagh consoled himself with the fact that friend and fellow Flemington trainer Danny O'Brien provided the quinella in the race with Master O'Reilly first and Douro Valley second.

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Well bred doll cruises home
17/10/2007 - Greg Irvine

A half sister to Mark Kavanagh’s inaugural Group One winner Hard to Get continued the master trainers winning run in South Australia today.

The beautifully bred Bellotto mare Elusive Doll won the Allan Gilbert & Associates / SABIS Plate (1600m) at Murray Bridge in a thrilling finish.

The mount of Chad Lever, Elusive Doll ($4) got up by a nose to beat David Hayes’ Joyful Glow ($4). Feudalism ($14) was another length and three quarters back in third place.

A half sister to former South Australian Derby winner Hard to Get, Elusive Doll is a mare with good ability.

"She's a talented mare with a very good pedigree," Kavanagh said. "She is raced by David Brooks from Starventure Bloodstock who bred her and also bred Hard to Get."

"Already there's been a good deal of interest in her as a broodmare with her good pedigree."

But before any decision is made about the four-year-olds stud future, she has more "fish to fry" on the racetrack.

"She's definitely up to city class and that's where we will try and head now after winning today," Kavanagh added.

As well as being a half sister to Hard to Get (Geiger Counter), she is a full sister to Group winner Reputed Groom (also by Bellotto) and half sister to Sydney Group winner Fumble (Snippets).

Meanwhile, one of Kavanagh's Melbourne stable stars Maldivian today drew barrier one for Saturday's $2.5 million Caulfield Cup.

The favourite with punters, Maldivian is coming off an emphatic victory over Miss Finland in last Saturday's Group One Yalumba Stakes at Caulfield.

Last Saturday Kavanagh scored a Group One double at Caulfield. As well as Maldivian, he cheered home the bonny mare Divine Madonna in the Toorak Handicap.

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Adelaide Stable Firing
10/10/2007

Whilst Mark Kavanagh's Flemington stable has monopolised the Melbourne headlines this spring, son and Adelaide foreman Sam has kept the home fires burning producing three winners from the stable's last three runners.

First of the successful trio was 3YO Jackie's Paper who broke his maiden over the 1200 metre course at Gawler on Sunday at just his second trip to the races.  The son of King's Best led into the straight and withstood the challenge of Test Century by a long neck.  They spaced the rest with Stylish Elegance two and a quarter lengths away in third. 

Jackie's Paper by aforementioned GB 2000 Guineas winner King's Best is the first foal of the stakes placed Bluebird mare Oh So Discreet, herself a half-sister to stakes winners Be Discreet, Gilded Angel, My Advocater, Oahu and She's Discreet.  Mark Kavanagh purchased Jackie's Paper from the 2006 Adelaide Magic Millions for $52,000 and he is raced by Isobel Kavanagh and the Screaming, Green and Horde Syndicates comprising some 45 individuals.

Two races later 7YO Lord Braemar brought up a stable double when he finished with a rush to claim a length win in the open sprint over El Seigneur and Positive Action.  It was career victory number six for the son of Danzig Connection but the first for his apprentice rider Richard Adam, indentured to the Kavanagh stable.

4YO Kenwick kept the winning strike rate intact when he scored an overdue win in the Supreme Protection Group Maiden (2050m) at Strathalbyn today.  The son of Sydney Cup winner Azzaam had been racing well but without success but today turned in a dominant performance embarrassing his rivals with a 4-3/4 length x 5-1/4 winning margin over Mephistopheles and Lady Ute.

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Devil Moon tackles tough Turnbull
03/10/2007

In form mare Devil Moon will face her toughest test when she takes her place in Saturday's Group 1 Turnbull Stakes in what is one of the finest fields assembled in recent memory.

Widely considered a dress rehearsal for the Cox Plate the field includes weight-for-age stars El Segundo, Haradasun and Marasco as well as Group 1 winners Tawqeet, Efficient, Cinque Cento, Blutigeroo, Eskimo Queen and Gallic.

Fresh from impressive victories in the VRC Let's Elope and MVRC Stocks Stakes, the former at the Flemington track, Devil Moon will step up to 2000 metres for the first time this preparation.  A dual stakes winner over 1800 metres Devil Moon was third, beaten a length and a half in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks, at her only previous attempt over 2000 metres.

Top Sydney and international hoop Hugh Bowman replaces regular rider Michael Rodd who committed to ride Marasco after  Darren Beadman relinquished the ride on that horse to go to Hong Kong.  In a change of fortune Devil Moon fared better at the barrier  - drawn in 8  - after jumping from outside gates in her three runs this time in.

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Maldivian Dominates In JRA Cup
28/09/07 courtesy Bill Saunders www.virtualformguide.com

Maldivian raced into Caulfield Cup contention with a runaway win in the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley tonight.

He firmed from $10 to $5.50 equal favourite with Eskimo Queen with bookmakers Betstar.
In customary fashion, Maldivian made all the running in the race, leading more or less from the outset. On the home turn, Michael Rodd let him loose and he quickly bounded three lengths clear.

MaldivianIn the run to the line, Maldivian ($2.80-$3.70) surged further in front, winning eventually by 4½ lengths from Pacino ($14-$19) with 1½ lengths to the favourite Master O'Reilly ($2.30-$2.40-$2.20F) which ran on from the tail of the field for third.
After being outstayed by Douro Valley at Caulfield last Saturday, Maldivian was backed up for tonight's race by trainer Mark Kavanagh.

Maldivian"That's him showing his true colours", said Rodd.

"Last Saturday at Caulfield he was still a bit underdone and I probably went a little bit too soon on him so I can be a bit critical of myself."

"Tonight he was well within himself and he wasn't stirred up before the race and he showed what he could do."

A huge horse, Maldivian was tonight noticeably tighter in condition than he was at Caulfield 6 days ago.

Maldivian"He's a pretty gross horse and he needs a bit of racing", Kavanagh observed.

"He's just starting to come right now and there's still a bit of improvement in him."

Kavanagh's Caulfield Cup plans will see Maldivian run in the Group 2 Winning Edge Stakes at Caulfield on the 13th of October.

"He's got one more run before the Cup", he said.

"He'll have a run again in a fortnight over a mile and a half and then seven days back into the Cup."

Maldivian's racing style gives him an enormous advantage in a race like the Caulfield Cup, because he makes his own luck in a race.

"That's where he's at his best, when he's out in front or up on the pace where he can dominate", Rodd observed.

"He's a horse that can give you 2 or 3 lengths quite quickly and keep whacking away and he's always hard to run down."

For his part, Kavanagh was feeling very comfortable during the race when he saw his main opposition, Master O'Reilly at the tail of the field.

"They've been swooping pretty well tonight but when they said Master O'Reilly was 15 lengths off them I said I don't reckon he can get him", Kavanagh said with a grin.
Photos: Fiona Tomlin, Quentin Lang

© Cyberhorse 2007 Bill Saunders Published 28/09/07

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Mighty Moon Overcomes Devil of a Barrier
15/09/07 by Greg Irvine for www.kavanaghracing.com

Outstanding mare Devil Moon has had her price slashed for the Caulfield Cup after notching her second straight feature win in today's Group Two Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

Despite covering extra ground in the race, when no closer than three horses from the rails for much of the journey, the Mark Kavanagh trained star still proved far too good.

Eskander's Betstar slashed Devil Moon's quote for the Caulfield Cup from $51 to $17 following the emphatic victory.

"Wow, how good was that," Kavanagh said from the winner's stall while his merry group of owners including wife Isobel were stranded on the other side of the fence because of EI restrictions.

Breeder and part owner Harry Perks wondered where next for Devil Moon. "Where are we heading now Mark?"

To which Kavanagh responded quickly with "hopefully somewhere with lots of Moet."

Winning rider Michael Rodd heaped compliments on the mare after unsaddling the daughter of King Cugat.

"What a great win," Rodd commented. "She's as tough as they come!"

Devil Moon, from a stakes performed half sister to former popular Adelaide stayer and Melbourne Cup placegetter Skybeau, was sent out the favourite in today's race despite the outside barrier on the strength of her brilliant win in last Saturday's Let's Elope Stakes at Flemington.

A four-year-old mare, Devil Moon's outstanding race record now reads out at seven wins and three minor placings from just 15 starts and stakes earnings of $529,750.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.

photo courtesy of Bruno Cannatelli

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Top First Up win for Melbourne Bound Danedina
15/9/07 courtesy Greg Irvine www.virtualformguide.com

Stakes performed filly Danedina will head to Melbourne for black type races following a brilliant first up win in the MIMP Connecting Solutions Handicap (1100m) at Morphettville today.

Ridden confidently by Chad Lever, Danedina sat off the speed for much of the race before coming with a brilliant sprint in the home straight.

So fast was she finishing the daughter of Danehill Dancer was able to draw clear and beat Get Set by a length. Esprit De Roses, a last start winner, was a similar margin back in third place.

Having her first run since an eye catching second in the listed SA Stakes at the same track in April, Danedina broke her maiden status in brilliant style.

Kavanagh, in Melbourne where he saddled up Devil Moon to win the Group Two Stocks Stakes, confirmed the filly would be heading east.

"I've always had the plan to bring her to Melbourne and after that performance she'll be on the float to come over," Kavanagh commented.

"She's always shown nice ability and I'm confident she will measure up here (in Melbourne)."

Kavanagh said the filly would be aimed at any of a number of stakes events for three-year-old fillies over the carnival.

Bred by the late Ian Barton, Danedina was purchased by senior part owner Robin Stutley for $48,000 from the 2006 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville. The filly from just three starts has won over $35,000.

Danedina is one of two winners from two to race for for the city winning Monde Bleu mare Aradina.

Aradina is a half sister to three stakes performers including prolific winners and stakes winners Aptego and Amarina.

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Regal Colt Adds Hometown Win
12/09/07

Recently relocated trainer Mark Kavanagh returned to his home base of Morphettville today to saddle up the well credentialed colt Private Liaison in the Chrysler Jeep Maiden Plate (1050m).

Facing the starter for just the second time, the son of record breaking European racehorse Rock Of Gibraltar was appearing for the first time since his debut as an autumn two-year old when beaten four and a half lengths by Fasline and stablemate Danedina in the Listed SAJC SA Stakes (1050m) in April.

With jockey Chad Lever to ride Private Liaison was sent out on the (equal) second line of betting at $5.00 behind the David Hayes trained Baarassi ($2.00).  The pair made their winning run from midfield, closing hard down the outside to nose out long shot Bellbookandcandle ($21) and favourite Baarassi in a three way photo.

The official margin posted at the wire was a half head by a half head.

Kavanagh purchased Private Liaison at the 2006 Easter Yearling Sale for $100,000 - a  'bargain' buy considering his sires then advertised service fee of $132,000 and considering the credentials of both his sire, the aforementioned Rock Of Gibraltar, and dam Regal Kiss.

'The Rock', a son of the indomitable Danehill, was the first horse ever to win seven consecutive Group One events in the northern hemisphere.  His winning run started with the Gran Criterium at Longchamp and ended in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, taking in victories in the Irish and English 2000 Guineas along the way.

Private Liaison is the second foal produced by the stellar South Australian racemare Regal Kiss - a daughter of champion miler and global stud success Royal Academy, and a half-sister to the Kavanagh trained Blue Diamond winner Undoubtedly. 

Regal Kiss won three stakes races as a juvenile including the Group Two STC Seppelt Salinger Slipper Trial and was seventh beaten just short of three and a half lengths in Ha Ha's Golden Slipper.  She returned at three to win the Group Three SAJC RN Irwin Stakes and competed with distinction at stakes level until her retirement to stud.

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Stable Streak Continues at Bendigo
10/09/07

Encosta De Lago colt Puerto Banus continued the winning momentum of the Kavanagh stable when he ran out an easy winner at Bendigo on Sunday.

Having his second start from a spell, and just his fourth overall, Puerto Banus made a sustained run from the rear of the field, gathering in the leaders before pulling away to register an impressive four length victory.

A $200,000 yearling purchase, Puerto Banus has always shown trainer Mark Kavanagh plenty of ability and he was confident he could break his maiden status in the Bendigo race.

Jockey Dwayne Dunn, another ex-pat South Aussie, was impressed by the performance.

“Mark told me to ignore his last run when the track didn’t suit and he had no luck,” Dunn commented after the race.

“He said he’d been working well and expected him to run a big race.”

The nature of the win, over 1400 metres, fuelled thoughts of a Caulfield Guineas or Victoria Derby start.

“He’s in the Derby entries," said jockey Dwayne Dunn "and I know Mark is keen to test him out over the staying trips.”

“He looks to have a bright future,” Dunn summed up.

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Moon Sparkles in the Flemington Sunshine
08/09/07 courtesy Greg Irvine www.virtualformguide.com

Outstanding mare Devil Moon burst into contention for October's Caulfield Cup after a brilliant all the way win in the $201,500 Group Three Let's Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington today.

Prepared at the track by recently relocated trainer Mark Kavanagh, Devil Moon did a remarkable job crossing from the outside barrier early (in a field of 16) and then showed great acceleration in the straight to zip clear of her rivals and set up a winning break.

Devil Moon ($9-$10) was still full of running to the line, cruising home to beat the reigning Queensland Oaks winner Eskimo Queen ($7-$8.50-$8) by a length and a half.

Bellini Rose ($5-$8) was another length and a half behind the runner-up in third place.

The favourite Juste Momente ($5.50-$6-$5.50 fav) wound up in sixth place, 4.2 lengths from the winner.

Kavanagh said the mare was among the entries for the Caulfield Cup and she would be given her chance to make the field with high profile stablemates Maldivian and Tipungwuti.

"I might go around next Saturday in the mares race over a mile," Kavanagh said referring to the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley on Manikato Stakes Day.

"I'll just see how we go."

"She's group one placed over 2000 (metres) and she's closely related to Skybeau. I suppose a mile and a half may be okay."

"She's in the Caulfield Cup, who knows we might be able to get there," Kavanagh commented.

Kavanagh said after seeing the early races where on speeders dominated he decided to instruct rider Michael Rodd to head across runners and attempt to get near the fence.

"That was the plan, to be positive and go forward," Kavanagh said.

"The track seems to be favouring leaders."

"I thought Permaiscuous might drag us across a little more than it did," Kavanagh commented.

"There didn't appear to be a lot of speed on paper, so he was able to get across easier than I thought."

"Half way through the race I thought her early work might have told, but he (Rodd) was able to control her nicely and she was really strong to the line."

A graduate of the 2005 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville, Devil Moon is raced by Robin McLeay, Trevor Robertson, Harry Perks, Mark Potter and Rod Fairclough.

The daughter of King Cugat is now the winner of six races - four at stakes level - and sent her soarings past the $400,000 barrier.

The bonny four-year-old mare is from the stakes performed Masterclass mare Classy Babe, a half sister to two stakes horses including the former top stayer and Melbourne Cup placegetter Skybeau.

The Let's Elope Stakes is named after the former Bart Cummings trained champion mare who won a number of Australia's most famous races before heading to race in America.

The daughter of Nassipour, now back breeding in Australia for the Marks family, last month produced a bay colt by former Aussie globetrotting star Elvstroem.

She has already proven herself as a fine producer through the exploits of her Group winning son Ustinov - who's now standing at stud in New Zealand.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.

© Cyberhorse 2007 Greg Irvine Published 08/09/07

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Kav Looking Forward to Testing Star Trio Again
06/09/07 courtesy Greg Irvine www.virtualformguide.com

Dual state trainer Mark Kavanagh is looking forward to saddling up three of his stable stars at the Flemington comeback meeting on Saturday.

Kavanagh was relaxed today as he cast his eyes over the trio as they prepared for their respective feature races.

The trio are Maldivian - a strapping son of Zabeel who's among the current favourites for the Caulfield Cup, Divine Madonna - a magnificent mare who possesses the most electrifying sprint in Melbourne and Devil Moon - an underrated mare who's chasing mares features during the carnival.

Kavanagh said he is expecting all three of his weekend runners to perform with great distinction.

"I'm expecting all three to run well," Kavanagh said. "If they don't win, they will go down swinging."

Maldivian runs against well regarded gallopers Apache Cat and Marasco in the Makybe Diva Stakes (was Craiglee) as he continues his build up to the Caulfield Cup.

A stunning looker, Maldivian enjoyed a leisurely walk around the Flemington stables and surrounds today. Things will be different on Saturday when he goes into battle in the day's feature.

"He's looking good isn't he," Kavanagh says as he gazes over the kiwi bred son of Zabeel. "His last run was a bottler and he's exactly where I want him at this stage."

"His work since (his first up third) has been very good. I won't be disappointed if he doesn't win on the weekend though, Marasco and Apache Cat look hard to beat."

Blake Shinn will ride Maldivian on Saturday.

"Michael (Rodd) has first refusal on all of my horses," Kavanagh pointed out. "But he's committed to Apache Cat this time around. Blake rides him on Saturday and he will ride him well."

Maldivian, a group winner of the Easter Cup at Caulfield earlier in the year, is expected to be on the speed throughout and many are thinking he'll be in it for a long way.

"I'm very happy with him and he'll be thereabouts again," Kavanagh summed up.

Multiple Group One winner Divine Madonna enjoyed her late afternoon dip in the swimming pool today as she prepares for her first up crack in the Bobbie Lewis Quality.

Recently crowned South Australia's Champion Racehorse, Divine Madonna could be in for an interesting campaign.

Originally the Epsom Handicap in Sydney was on the Hurricane Sky mare's agenda - an option wiped out by the spread of Equine Influenza in that state.

"Her work has been strong and I'm looking forward to seeing her run down the straight on Saturday," Kavanagh said of Divine Madonna.

"She's had a couple of jump outs and come through them well," he added.

Divine Madonna, a Cox Plate possibility, looked lean, but far from mean this afternoon.

Back in the stables after grazing over some grass near the recently realigned Flemington track, the top mare was enjoying some quiet time with Kavanagh.

"She loves her scratches," Kavanagh said as he went to work, firstly behind her ears, then down her neck.
No sooner had Kavanagh stopped to give his hand a rest, Miss Madonna was suggesting he should continue and even leant around and pointed the spot he should focus on.

"Let's hope she repays me over there," he says pointing toward the famous Flemington grandstand.

Meanwhile, group winning mare Devil Moon has drawn terribly again as she attempts to add a Melbourne feature to her Adelaide haul from earlier in the year.

"Last start she was trapped deep throughout at Caulfield and when she wasn't four deep she was five deep," Kavanagh commented.

"Under the circumstances her run was excellent and she's not really that good first up as a rule."

"Her record second up is much better and I'm just hoping she can get a decent run despite the outside draw."

Whatever their results on Saturday one thing is for sure - Mark Kavanagh is a man we'll be hearing plenty about over the coming weeks and months.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.

© Cyberhorse 2007 Greg Irvine Published 06/09/07

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Kavanagh Works Magic With Bodacious Harmony 
05/09/07 courtesy Greg Irvine www.virtualformguide.com

Beautifully bred mare Bodacious Harmony will be given her chance to graduate to stakes class after a brilliant first up win in the Courtza Handicap (1200m) at Seymour today.

Having her first start for new trainer Mark Kavanagh, Bodacious Harmony raced on the speed throughout before hitting the front in the straight and showing great fighting capabilities to hold out her rivals for an impressive city win.

A daughter of champion sire Danehill and Group One winner La Volta, Bodacious Harmony is a valuable mare being a city winner, but her value would increase markedly if she earned black type.

"She's a long way from her top yet," Kavanagh said after the race.

"She's a nice mare who's shown me a lot since I got her and I think she'll have a good preparation."

"I think she'll be suited at 2000 (metres) and the race on the last day of the Flemington carnival (the Matriarch Stakes) could be a plan," he reported.

Formerly trained by Robert Smerdon, Bodacious Harmony hadn't raced since finishing second to Sovereign Miss at Caulfield in April.

At her run before that Caulfield event she had finished fourth in the Group Three Schweppes Trophy at Caulfield.

"There were reports that she'd had some injury related issues," Kavanagh said.

"But she's been perfect for me so far and she's a nice horse to have in the stable."

Kavanagh is looking forward to Saturday's return to racing at his (Melbourne) home track of Flemington. The stables spring stars Maldivian (Maybe Diva Stakes), Divine Madonna (Bobbie Lewis Quality) and Devil Moon (Let's Elope Stakes) are all going around.

And last Saturday Kavanagh was delighted with the performance of his Group Two winner Tipungwuti who was third behind Miss Finland and Haradasun in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.

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Maldivian heads Caulfield Cup Betting
31/08/07

The Mark Kavanagh trained Maldivian heads current Caulfield Cup markets after his brilliant return to racing when third in the Liston Stakes at Caulfield on August 18.

Betstar have the Zabeel 5YO at $9 holding sway over Blutigeroo ($11) and last years victor Tawqeet ($11).  Victoria Derby winner Efficient and Melbourne Cup place getter Maybe Better are on the next line of betting at $13.

The market has been severely affected by the outbreak of Equine Influenza in New South Wales and Queensland. With those states in lock down it is unlikely runners in either of those states or in fact from overseas will run in Melbourne this spring.

Racing resumes in Victoria tomorrow (after last weeks cancellation) with stringent bio-security measures in place. 

The Kavanagh stable have Tipungwuti engaged in the  Gr. 2 Memsie Stakes and Honalee in the Listed Martha Cove Classic.

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Divine Madonna Crowned SA's Horse of the Year

Mark Kavanagh's outstanding multiple Group One winning mare Divine Madonna was announced as the SA Champion Racehorse of the Year award in Adelaide on August 16.

A winner at the elite level in both Melbourne and Sydney, the daughter of Hurricane Sky has turned out a great money spinner for connections after being purchased by Kavanagh for just $82,500 from the 2004 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale. 

She has accumulated over $1.3 million in prizemoney and is due to kick away her spring campaign in the Group Three Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington on September 8.  Divine Madonna will be aimed at  the Gr. 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes - run over 1400 at Flemington.

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