“Tavonian” displayed his underlying potential with a barnstorming win at Wangaratta on Thursday. Resuming from a 9 week let up, the regally bred Tavistock 4YO was sent out favourite in the MasterKing Security Maiden Plate over 1300m. Drawing the outside barrier in the 12 horse field, Apprentice Ben Thompson elected to settle the horse at the rear of the field being more content on letting the gelding find his rhythm. Approaching the 600m he gradually let the gelding slide forward to improve his position. Once in the home straight the gelding responded to gather in his rivals and career away for a strong win at the finish. Bred to run over the staying distances it was a nice surprise for everyone to see him win in this manner and indicate bigger and better things are in store.
On course, Co-Trainer Lee explained the horse had too hard a run first up last preparation and the plan was to keep him fresh heading into this race. “He really only went 6 evens home 2 for a nice soft win and there is no doubt he will improve from today. He is much stronger and has naturally developed from last time”. As jockey, Ben Thompson reiterated ” He is a different horse this time and has matured between preparations and improved”.
Purchased from the 2014 NZ Ready to Run 2YO Sales for $100K, Tavonian is superbly bred being by NZ Champion Sire, “Tavistock” from handy producer, “Singalong” herself a Champion NZ 3YO filly of her era. There has always been huge expectations on him and without losing faith he has just taken time for everything to come together. The lightly raced 4YO has now had 8 starts for a win, three placings and will keep building on his record as the distances increase.
Pictured in the winners circle at Wangaratta are Tallarook residents, Tony & Kathy Mackenzie, Sue & Kevin Davey, Debbie Myers and Carol Shinn. Syndicated amongst stable clients, Tavonian has 32 individuals in his Ownership including three syndicates. It was a huge thrill particularly for winning Owners, Kathy & Tony Mackenzie, Suzette Foster & Andrew Krein with Tavonian giving them their first ever winner and hopefully many more to come.