Captain Ravishing kicks off new campaign

Buzz Victorian pacer Captain Ravishing (Captaintreacherous) begins a new chapter in his exciting harness racing career next week when he appears in public for the first time in nearly nine months, on the comeback from injury.

The pacer, prepared by Freddy Taiba at Sunbury, on the outskirts of Melbourne, hasn’t raced since finishing runner-up to star rival Catch A Wave in the Breeders Crown Championship last November.

“He’s probably been in work for about five months, and I couldn’t be happier with him,” Taiba said.

“We have him checked out regularly and he’s completely sound. I’m confident we’ll see the absolute best of the horse this time.”

The Group 1 winner and Melton track record holder is raced by Freddy’s brother Hass and has won nine of his 18 career starts for over $500,000 in stakemoney.

Captain Ravishing was found to have bone soreness after his last campaign, and Taiba said the five-year-old went straight out for a rest.

“He would have had three or four months off and I actually took him up to Sydney earlier this year when I was campaigning a team up there,” he said.

“Part of his recommended rehab was doing slow work in a water walker and on the treadmill, so we used those facilities for the two months while I was at Menangle.

“I would have loved to have stayed up there, but we have a beautiful farm at Sunbury with a swim and walker and big paddocks which they love. They just want to be horses and wander about.”

Captain Ravishing will step out at the Melton trials next Tuesday (Aug 20).

“We are looking at the Victoria Cup in October, but ideally we’ll let him tell us when he’s ready. He’s responding well to our training regime, but my main attention is to keep him happy, sound and fit,” Taiba said.

“He won’t be doing anything crazy in his trial next week.  He’ll driven by John Caldow. We’ve decided John will be our driver because he’s not only a wonderful friend, but a very good reinsman.”

Taiba has eight in work at the moment and he’s also thrilled with the progress of three-year-old Nathan Street (Lazarus).

“He’s a serious horse and we’re extremely happy with him. He’s being set for the Victoria Derby,” he said.

“I’ve got Ben Said helping me out at the stables, who has always been around horses and he’s not only a great worker, but a good mate. I reckon he may get his drivers licence one day.”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink