Call From The ‘Blue' Could Lead To Cup Glory

AN "out of the blue" phone call could result in group race glory if Nangar Bubbles can win Friday night's star-studded Mandurah Cup Final (488m).

And if the daughter of Tommy Shelby can annex the $85,000 group 2 decider it will provide trainer Sean Kavanagh with a well overdue and deserved group race breakthrough. 

"I've been in quite a few group race finals and have run a lot of placings but haven't been able to land one yet," Kavanagh said.

FIELDS AND FORM MANDURAH FRIDAY NIGHT

"I sent We The People over to Brisbane last year and she won the group 3 Gold Cup which was worth $100,000 but she was in Mick Zammit's name for that so I can't really claim it.

"She ran second in a Group 1 Galaxy for me here at home behind Zack Monelli as well.

"I've won a few listed races, hopefully the first group race (in my name) isn't too far away."

Enjoying another terrific racing season with 30 winners from 92 starters at the enviable strike-rate of 32 per cent, Kavanagh heads into Friday night's Mandurah Cup knowing a daunting assignment awaits.

It was a chance phone call in late July that led to Nangar Bubbles heading Kavanagh's way after being sold by Dennis and Ann Barnes to Jessica Windiate following a formidable start to her racing career in NSW.

"I got a call really out of the blue one day from Jessica and Toby," Kavanagh said.

"They asked me if I wanted to have a go with her and I had a spare kennel and after watching a few of her replays I jumped at the chance."

Since heading west, Nangar Bubbles has started on seven occasions for four wins and three placings, included in that rapid run a third in the recent Group 3 Young Stars Classic Final (520m) at Cannington.

But it was last Friday's ‘from off the canvas' Mandurah Cup heat victory in 27.57s which confirmed to Kavanagh his up and coming charge had taken another giant step forward.

"It was a really tough win," he said.

"When she got crossed and checked off heels up the back I thought we were gone but she then knuckled back down and came again.

"I was surprised because in all her other runs she's led and got run down when she's been beaten. It was really good to see. The time wasn't great but when you look at how she had to do it I was wrapped."

Given the depth of quality in the WA sprinting ranks, Kavanagh concedes his budding star has the job ahead in the $60,000-to-the-winner decider, giving away age and experience to the majority of the field.

"Whatever the result, it's good experience for her; she's eligible for far easier races," Kavanagh added.

"The class of dog here in WA is exceptional. King Tommy (fastest heat winner) is an amazing young dog. I can't wait for them to travel with him so it makes things a bit easier here at home for a while.

"I'd say King Tommy and Crumble Monelli are the dogs to beat. If Crumble Monelli is out in front he'll be hard to beat the way they are drawn. But across the board there's quality dogs everywhere."

While Kavanagh is searching for his first Mandurah Cup, it is a different story for the majority of his rival trainers which have collectively annexed the flagship event on 14 occasions.

Linda Britton and Chris Halse boast a record eight Cup wins while Steve and Krystal Shinners have won two, Dave and Christine Robartson three, while Dave Hobby has one.

"Maybe it's my turn then," Kavanagh added.

"I had All Zipped Up in the final a few years ago as one of the quickest qualifiers but had to scratch him. Then the reserve came out and won the final."