KAVANAGH showed that he will be a force to contend with this summer when he won a Pinnacle Stakes over 1400m at Turffontein in commanding fashion on Tuesday evening.

Mary Slack’s four-year-old by Tiger Ridge ran on well to win by a length from Two Tone and DJ Detzky, racing under top weight, but the winning margin arguably flattered the runner-up, however capable he is too.

Kavanagh’s jockey Anthony Delpech was convinced he’d win it, fully 400m from the line and commented: “He was relaxed out there tonight. He’s very talented and I could feel it would take something special to beat him.”

Kavanagh, a powerhouse after his time off. (JC Photos).

Mike de Kock, equally impressed, said: “Horses lose their form, but not their ability. Kavanagh has disappointed us a few times before, because he’s always shown us great work at home.  After the Durban season we threw him in a paddock on the farm at Summerveld and he did nothing for six weeks. He’s come back a stronger, bigger horse, he’s picked up 20kg.  His period of rest has made all the difference.”

He added: “It helps that Kavanagh’s owner is Mary Slack, who understands racing and has all the patience because she loves horses. Well done to her.”

The stable also won Race 4 with imported colt Golden Chateau (Delpech, headline photo), who got his act together at the business end of the 1400m contest to win going away.

“Golden Chateau is a horse with classic potential,” Mike said, “but he will need a few bigger tests than this before we can make confident predictions. He was impressive despite being green and he’ll come into his own over more ground.”

Golden Chateau is by Chateau Istana (GB) from Accent on Gold (Deputy Minister) and is owned by the partnership of Greg Blank and Ian van Schalkwyk.