Welcome to Queensland, Tavisan

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Clever sprinter Tavisan made it a successful entry to Queensland racing with a dominant win at the Sunshine Coast for new trainer Kris Lees.

Tavisan was previously prepared in Victoria by Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior. Following an unplaced effort at Rosehill, the Tavistock gelding was sent north to refuel in the paddock during the warm Queensland winter. 

Tavisan was perfectly placed first up in Class 5 set weights conditions.

“It was the right time to bring him to Queensland. Our set weights races are ideal for quality horses like Tavisan to ease their way into racing here,” said Grant Morgan of Ontrack.

“This race came up at exactly the right time to give him the chance at a kill first up and get his confidence back. 

“He is still eligible for one more Class 6 race so we will just have to see if we wait for one of those or if he goes back to open company now,” said Morgan.

Kris Lees was selected as Tavisan’s new trainer to take advantage of his dual state operation in Queensland and New South Wales.

“He’s a tricky horse to place so we felt that having access to both Queensland and New South Wales with Kris was going to increase our ability to place him in the right races,” said Morgan.

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In form rider Andrew Mallyon gave a polished display aboard Tavisan continuing his strong combination as first choice rider for the Lees’ Queensland base.

Mallyon was also seen to advantage on another recent Ontrack winner in Calcareous, who scored at Grafton for the ex Victorian hoop during the July carnival.

Tavisan’s record now stands at $401,427 in prizemoney with 6 wins and 8 placings from 29 starts. 

His CV includes stakes placings in the Group 2 Australia Stks at Moonee Valley (1200m), Group 2 Danehill Stks (1200m) at Flemington, Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield and the Listed Doveton Stks (1000m) at Sandown.  

Tavisan was purchased as a yearling by Grant Morgan of Ontrack for $135,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale from the Hallmark Stud draft.

Congratulations to winning owners Adrian Albrecht, Jim Lagos, Lewis Prince, Eric Newsome, Dr David Worthley, Vin Harink, Mark Snowden, Mark Ostermeyer, Neil Evison, Mark Horn & Haydn Stjernqvist, Lisa Saxton, Bebe Mawer, Executive Racing Club (Manager Jamie Haimes) & S M C Racing (Manager Michael Szkwarek).

Photos courtesy of Trackside Photography: www.tracksidephotography.com

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