The Mark Kavanagh-trained Catapulted could have earned an interstate trip up to Queensland for Saturday week’s 2012 Magic Millions Race Day on the Gold Coast after the six-year-old broke a seven race drought with a win in the Standish Handicap at Flemington on Monday.
Standish Handicap winner Catapulted could next contest the 2012 Magic Millions Cup
Entering the winner’s stall for the first time since their win in the Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield back in February last year, Catbird gelding Catapulted was back to their best when putting a minimum three lengths on their rivals to win the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m).
With Michael Rodd aboard on 59kg the $3.20 favourite easily saluted for the punters while Cascabel ($9) and Rocking Force ($9.50) crossed simultaneously in a dead-heat for second.
“It’s great to get him back in form again,” Kavanagh said.
“You like to see them win occasionally and it’s nice to see him back to somewhere near where he was.”
The victory was the 11th from 27 starts for Catapulted, boosting their prize money to over $770,000, and making them a triple Group winner.
Purchased for $90,000 at the 2007 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sales, Catapulted had never before raced in a Magic Millions restricted race but could be given that chance at the Gold Coast on January 14.
Following the Standish Handicap win, Kavanagh named the $400,000 Magic Millions Cup (1400m) as a possible next-up target for Catapulted.
“It (the Magic Millions Cup) is a quality handicap so we might take him up there now,” Kavanagh confirmed.
The biggest race day held at the Gold Coast annually, the 2012 Magic Millions Racing Carnival will feature nine restricted races the most anticipated of which is the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m).
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