Trainer Mark Kavanagh is considering running talented colt Chivalry in the 2014 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 25 after his fast-finishing fifth in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Chivalry remains a chance of contesting the 2014 Cox Plate after his strong performance in the Caulfield Guineas. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Chivalry was settled at the tail of the field by jockey Glen Boss in the early stages of the Caulfield Guineas and was forced to come wide coming around the final turn before working home strongly to within three and a half lengths of the winner Shooting To Win.
Kavanagh was happy with the performance of Chivalry in the Caulfield Guineas and he told TVN that the son of Street Cry was clearly looking for a step-up in trip; with the Cox Plate still on the agenda for the colt
“He’s crying out for a trip,” Kavanagh said.
“The only horse running on at the end of the Guineas was Chivalry.
“Everything else had enough, but he was still gaining ground.”
“You never know your luck, anything could happen, a maiden won the race last year.
“Things change quickly in the spring.”
Kavanagh said last week that Group 1 winner Super Cool would likely skip the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) and be set for the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day after running in the Group 3 David Jones Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday, but he is now considering running the five-year-old in the Australasian Weight-For-Age Championship after a number of contenders were ruled out of the race after running on Saturday.
Arabian Gold, Commanding Jewel, Guest Of Honour and Solicit are all out of Cox Plate contention after failing to fire in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), while three-year-olds Go Indy Go, Looks Like The Cat and Sweynesse will not be given an opportunity at weight-for-age level.
Dissident performed admirably in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m), but he has been banned for racing for three months after bleeding during the run, while Hong Kong-based Dan Excel is set to return home without racing due to a throat virus.
Fawkner ($3.80) is now a clear favourite in 2014 Cox Plate betting markets following his Caulfield Stakes win from the fast-finishing Sacred Falls ($5), Australian Derby winner Criterion ($8), Aidan O’Brian-trained Adelaide ($9), last year’s runner up Happy Trails ($9), consistent mare Royal Descent ($13) and four-time Group 1 winner Silent Achiever ($13).
