Never say never
January 24th 2009 07:35
Mark Kavanagh has 2008 Cox Plate winner Maldivian ready to begin an Autumn campaign that will begin in Melbourne and most likely continue on to the Sydney Autumn carnival.
(photo: Colleen Petch)
The Group One Australian Cup over 2000m at Flemington will be the prime objective for the reigning Cox Plate champion. But the likelihood of a campaign in Sydney has also resurrected the possibility that Kavanagh will once again try Maldivian over the Caulfield Cup staying trip of 2400m. The Group One BMW over 2400m at Rosehill is pencilled in as a distinct possibility this campaign.
“I don’t know if he didn’t stay in the Caulfield Cup, or maybe he just wasn’t right, but I’m still not against the idea of maybe running him in The BMW (2400m) when we’re in Sydney. I think he probably deserves another chance at 2400 metres and The BMW is weight-for-age, and if he is in-form and right, we might have a go at it.” - Mark Kavanagh.
After his shock scratching at the barrier before the Caulfield Cup of 2007 (when a very short-priced favourite) Maldivian has had just one attempt at the 2400m distance - that being his unplaced run in the Caulfield Cup of 2008.
At that time Mark Kavanagh (and others - myself included) concluded that it is most likely that Maldivian does not stay beyond 2000m (or the 2040m of Moonee Valley).
But like John Howard who revisited his promise to ‘never ever’ introduce a GST, Kavanagh has had time to reassess the situation.
And Mark Kavanagh never made a promise.
Subsequent to his Caulfield Cup finish of 9th (beating home subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Viewed - with Weekend Hussler 12th) Kavanagh would add blinkers to Maldivian to enable him to put his mind on the job and win the Cox Plate at his next start. And in addition he was galloped on in the Caulfield Cup. My Speedratings had the 2008 Caulfield Cup as the significant speed event for the Melbourne Spring. This was a very strong 2400m test.
So - in retrospect - I can understand the wavering from an emotional and quick declaration that assumes he cannot stay. There were extenuating circumstances. Many things were wrong - and then they were rectified so swiftly as to win the premier race of the Melbourne Spring at his next start.
I suppose that (given more thought) I can’t help but agree with the proposal that if Maldivian returns in the same form of last campaign another tilt (a second try) at 2400m is well worth considering. It will be at WFA at which he is proven. And it will be around a tight turning track (Rosehill) - similar to his favourite track in Melbourne, Moonee Valley.
Once - with excuses - is not definitive.
Twice would tell the tale. And wouldn’t it make for a most exciting BMW!
The 2008 Cox Plate won by Maldivian:
Kavanagh and Maldivian
(photo: Colleen Petch)
The Group One Australian Cup over 2000m at Flemington will be the prime objective for the reigning Cox Plate champion. But the likelihood of a campaign in Sydney has also resurrected the possibility that Kavanagh will once again try Maldivian over the Caulfield Cup staying trip of 2400m. The Group One BMW over 2400m at Rosehill is pencilled in as a distinct possibility this campaign.
“I don’t know if he didn’t stay in the Caulfield Cup, or maybe he just wasn’t right, but I’m still not against the idea of maybe running him in The BMW (2400m) when we’re in Sydney. I think he probably deserves another chance at 2400 metres and The BMW is weight-for-age, and if he is in-form and right, we might have a go at it.” - Mark Kavanagh.
After his shock scratching at the barrier before the Caulfield Cup of 2007 (when a very short-priced favourite) Maldivian has had just one attempt at the 2400m distance - that being his unplaced run in the Caulfield Cup of 2008.
At that time Mark Kavanagh (and others - myself included) concluded that it is most likely that Maldivian does not stay beyond 2000m (or the 2040m of Moonee Valley).
But like John Howard who revisited his promise to ‘never ever’ introduce a GST, Kavanagh has had time to reassess the situation.
And Mark Kavanagh never made a promise.
Subsequent to his Caulfield Cup finish of 9th (beating home subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Viewed - with Weekend Hussler 12th) Kavanagh would add blinkers to Maldivian to enable him to put his mind on the job and win the Cox Plate at his next start. And in addition he was galloped on in the Caulfield Cup. My Speedratings had the 2008 Caulfield Cup as the significant speed event for the Melbourne Spring. This was a very strong 2400m test.
So - in retrospect - I can understand the wavering from an emotional and quick declaration that assumes he cannot stay. There were extenuating circumstances. Many things were wrong - and then they were rectified so swiftly as to win the premier race of the Melbourne Spring at his next start.
I suppose that (given more thought) I can’t help but agree with the proposal that if Maldivian returns in the same form of last campaign another tilt (a second try) at 2400m is well worth considering. It will be at WFA at which he is proven. And it will be around a tight turning track (Rosehill) - similar to his favourite track in Melbourne, Moonee Valley.
Once - with excuses - is not definitive.
Twice would tell the tale. And wouldn’t it make for a most exciting BMW!
The 2008 Cox Plate won by Maldivian:
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