George looking Invincible first up from a spell at Canterbury
INVINCIBLE George will be aiming to extend his tremendous first-up record when he heads to Canterbury this Wednesday over 1100m.
The four-year-old has won three of its four attempts when resuming from a spell, which puts him in good stead for the handicap event where he will carry 59kgs with Kerrin McEvoy on board.
Despite drawing poorly in barrier 12, Gosford-based trainer Kylie Gavenlock says she expects her charge to perform well.
“He has always raced very well fresh – he is a very fit horse so I am expecting him to race really well even though he is handicapped a little bit by the barrier,” Gavenlock told Horse Betting.
“I would say with natural fitness he will probably improve a little bit off Wednesday’s run, but with that being said the horse is feeling well and is right within himself at this stage.”
Gavenlock has showed plenty of patience with the son of I Am Invincible and Irish Loup, which has only faced the starter on seven occasions – winning three with two minor placings.
“He has had a few issues – but the biggest thing with him is that he tends to race at his best at his first two starts back from a spell,” she said.
“Rather than continuing him, we tend to race him lightly and then tip him out and bring him back – it requires a lot of patience, but it has worked so far.”
With racing experience and age on his side, Gavenlock is now hoping Invincible George can remain on the track for more than a couple of starts this preparation.
“Hopefully now that he is getting a bit of age on him he can get a bit more physically and mentally stronger – if he does that then I think he will stand up for a few more runs this time in.
“All we can do is hope that his mental maturity is there – he has a lot of ability so it would be nice for him to really show it this preparation.”
Gavenlock has a team of 10 in work at Gosford and will also head to Wyong this Thursday with three in – Randiki, Ajeeta and Deangelo.
Despite the testing times which come with being a thoroughbred trainer, Gavenlock said she is pleased she made the decision to take up training more than three decades ago.
“I have been training for 33 years – I had show horses prior to becoming a trainer but it didn’t take me long to realise that all they do is eat money,” Gavenlock said.
“I really loved the animal, so I knew I wanted a job where I could be around horses every day of the week.
“Even now every extra minute I get I go for a ride with my daughter or I am off on a Sunday competing somewhere.
“It’s wonderful to be able to have my passion be such a large part of my life.”
Invincible George will contest race six at Canterbury this Wednesday which is scheduled to jump at 3.50pm.