JAMES McDonald took riding honours at Randwick last Saturday with four winners but here was no doubt which stallion reigned supreme on the Australia Day Cup card.
Vinery ‘Captain’ More Than Ready sired a double on the program via two of the summer’s up and coming horses; Centre Pivot and Team Hawkes mare Mihiri both piloted by McDonald.
Sam Kavanagh trained 4YO Centre Pivot has earned himself a reputation as one of the most consistent gallopers in Sydney with a three metro wins from his past four starts.
Centre Pivot has finished first or second at each of his past six runs and with Saturday’s victory, his overall record stands at 11s 4-4-1 with earnings of $223,320 and the promise of more to come.
“Early on in his preparation I was worried if this horse was going to win because he just kept racing well but not getting the result,” Kavanagh said.
“Now he has won three races and run second three times from seven starts since joining the stable.’’
Later on in the day, well-bred mare Mihiri made light work of her rivals surging to a near 2-lens win in the Jame’s Boag’s Premium Handicap (1200m).
Mihiri is one of close to 80 winners bred on the remarkable More Than Ready/Danehill mare that includes Group 1 winners Benicio, Perfectly Ready and Dreamaway.
Coincidentally, her record is eerily similar to Centre Pivot with both horses winning four of their 11 starts to date.
