Bagman, ridden by Brad Rawiller, wins the Balaklava Cup. Picture: Jo-anna Robinson
Source: The Advertiser
SAM Kavanagh set Bagman for The Advertiser Newspapers Balaklava Cup (1600m) and the tough galloper didn’t let them down, showing his class to prevail in yesterday’s Listed event.
Everything fell into place for the young Morphettville trainer, who flew Group 1-winning jockey Brad Rawiller over from Victoria and was rewarded with a well-judged ride.
After a strong third behind Southern Speed in the Listed Penny Edition Stakes, Bagman started the $3.80 favourite on course and Rawiller was able to settle him midfield with cover from barrier 10.
As Light Tan ($17) and Oregon Spirit ($9) emerged as the main challengers at the top of the straight, the Easy Rocking gelding was eased to the outside and let down with his run.
Bagman quickly had the first two covered, shooting to the front to score by half a length.
The hard-luck story was runner-up Road Warrior, who overcame a wide gate and flew home, but it wasn’t enough as the Jon O’Connor-prepared gelding extended his streak of seconds to four.
But all honours were with Bagman, who looks to be in for a good preparation.
“This was his sort of race, it was a bit risky taking him 10 days between runs from the Penny Edition, but this was our goal and hopefully it’s onwards and upwards,” Kavanagh said after the race.
“He’s come right on, he was looking for the mile and may even get 1800m now.
“We’ll have a good chat with Brad and work out a plan, we’ll probably go to the Tokyo City Cup then possibly over to Victoria.”
Rawiller was impressed with the performance and suggested it was well-worth having a crack at a decent race during the spring carnival with the six-year-old, who has now claimed three Listed races.
“I wanted to make sure and I was strong under the bridle, but they steadied up a couple of times in the run and that didn’t help me,” the jockey said.
“It was important that I was covered up and was able to get to the outside.
“These types of races are never easy to win, you’ve still got to get out and do it, and he was the best horse in it.”