3 minute read
A horse that creates the deepest interest at Murray Bridge tomorrow is Consign — a UK import having its first start for Sydney-based Sam Kavanagh.
Consign is a 5yo gelding by former champion juvenile Dutch Art and is rated 77 in Australia.
And while it may seem an out-of-the–way place to kick-off his Australian career, Kavanagh says it’s with good reason.
“This is a qualifying race for the SA provincial sprint series — with the $100,000 final set down for 16 May at Morphettville,” he says.
“We just thought that prize-money-wise, he’d get well rated and one of the owners — Dale West — is on the committee at Murray Bridge, and a few other owners are from South Australia as well.
“It’s a great thrill for them, and if he won tomorrow — and the final — it would be the same as winning two city races in Sydney — so we thought, why not. And hopefully he gets the job done for us …
“Consign is a horse with an exceptional turn of foot and can quicken on firm ground.
“He’s an exciting horse to watch. When I saw his videos he captured my imagination.
“We are hoping he will just glide through his grades and end up in much better races next year.”
Kavanagh says Consign is a lazy worker without the blinkers — and is only about 80% fit going into tomorrow’s race, “… but I have gone to Murray Bridge expecting his class to get him through and he will be spot on for the final, should he make it.
“His recent trial at Warwick Farm was good without the blinkers on. He was only beaten a few lengths behind Strawberry Boy — a nice quiet trial.”
Kavanagh began his career in South Australia and when he relocated to Sydney leading hoop Chad Lever moved with him.
“Chad comes back tomorrow and it’s nice for him to get a chance to come home and ride and catch up with his family.
“It’s the South Australian connection.”Consign is progressive having won his penultimate race at Newmarket and was touched off by a head at Ascot at his most recent run at the beginning of October.
Kavanagh believes his optimum trip is a mile and he acts on good to firm through to soft going and he has a career record of 6 wins from 19 outings.
