Trainer Sam Kavanagh says Absalon is pain free and in career best form.
Kavanagh believes those factors helped Absalon to win Saturday’s Tattersall’s Recognition Stakes (1615m) at Doomben.
Absalon - Larry Cassidy
“He’s got a lot of talent this horse and he’s been in great form at home,” Kavanagh said.
“His last win at Randwick was super and he’s got his confidence sky high.”
After Absalon galloped at Rosehill on Tuesday, Kavanagh rang Claire Bird, the racing manager for owner Gerry Harvey, and declared the five-year-old was on target for the Recognition.
But when heavy rain fell at Doomben on Saturday, Kavanagh admitted his confidence began to wane.
“He’s had two goes on wet tracks for two fails,” he said.
“But we were up here, the horse has been going fantastic and I really wanted to have a go.”
Ridden by Larry Cassidy, Absalon ($17) hit the lead on the home turn and held his rivals safely at bay to win by 1-1/4 lengths from Fillydelphia ($4) and Elmantosh ($10).
Cassidy was confident Absalon would win from the time he was legged aboard the five-year-old.
“Cantering to the barriers he gave me such a great feel,” Cassidy said.
“It can change once you come out of the gates but it didn’t with him.
“He’s a bit one-paced and you’ve just got to keep him rolling along but when he gets into that groove he can maintain it.”
Kavanagh is keen to chase more black-type success with Absalon in the Brisbane Handicap (1600m) at Doomben on December 14.
“I think any trainer has to be aware of stakes races in any state and if they can compete at that level and get black type then you’re doing the right thing by owners,” he said.
“It’s also important for any trainer to prove they can travel their horses.”
Jockey Michael Cahill was pleased with the effort of Fillydelphia to finish second.
“It was a good performance to carry the 58 kilos in that sort of going and shows she’s holding her form well this campaign,” Cahill said.
Ric McMahon rated Elmantosh extremely unlucky after the gelding dipped in the going at the top of the straight.
