Levi Kavanagh relying on debutante at Caulfield

Levi Kavanagh has been forced to shelve Manfred Stakes plans for unbeaten Kentucky Breeze but the trainer still has a chance at Caulfield with first starter Queen’s Authority in the lucrative Inglis Premier.

Kavanagh scratched Listed winner Kentucky Breeze on Thursday from his planned return in Saturday’s Group Three Manfred (1200m) after the gelding showed signs of a virus.

“It is disappointing because it might affect my plans moving forward because I was heading towards the Australian Guineas,” Kavanagh said.

“I wanted to run in the Manfred at 1200 metres, then have two weeks into the C S Hayes Stakes and then two weeks into the Guineas.

“But now it sets me back, so I’m not sure which path I’ll go down yet.

“If his blood is all good I might be able to run him in the next week or two.

“It’s up in the air at the moment but the good thing is it’s only a bit of a virus that should clear up within a matter of days.”

Kavanagh was looking to run two-year-old filly Queen’s Authority in the Blue Diamond fillies Prelude on Saturday week but has instead opted to kick her career off in Saturday’s $250,000 Inglis Premier (1200m).

The race restricted to Inglis Premier sale graduates has a field of seven.

“I nominated just to keep my options open but there wasn’t many in the field so I’ve opted to run there rather than go down the other route,” Kavanagh said.

“This looks a good race for her and she’s in top condition. She won a jump-out last week at Flemington and she’s come through it really well.

“With the small field, hopefully she can get into a good position and be able to run really well.”

A $90,000 yearling, Queen’s Authority has firmed from $10 to $6.50 in the TAB’s fixed odds market for the Inglis Premier.