The Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior trained Tavisan put in a tough front running display to land the Apache Cat Classic at Cranbourne on Sunday.
Dropping to 1000m for the first time since winning at Sandown in July, the son of Tavistock did it the hard way to land the valuable prize. Showing his customary speed from the barriers the gelding was granted an easy lead and was able to dictate the pace under on-form jockey Jamie Kah. Going for glory at the top of the home straight the pair kicked a couple of lengths clear before Fine Dane came out of the pack to challenge along the rail. Seemingly relishing the battle Tavisan pulled out a bit more and was half a length in front at the line.
“He’s a nice easy ride really,” said Kah after her first experience riding the horse. “He got away with it quite easily in front and he’s got some gate speed which really helps him out there. He only does what he has to but when that horse came up his inside he fought again. It was a really tough win.”
Co-trainer Michael Kent Junior was on hand to oversee the victory and was equally impressed with the four-year-old’s performance.
“It worked our really well,” Kent told Racing.com. “He got across easy enough, nobody pestered him and when that’s the case he gets away. He’s a really good horse and Mick’s always had a good opinion of him. He’s a Tavistock, but he’s very fast”
The victory is Tavisan’s third in his last five starts and Kent Junior isn’t ruling out a step-up in class next time out adding:
“He could go to Moonee Valley in two weeks or maybe just keep him fresh for a race at the Carnival.”