Captain to continue rapid rise to the top

EXCITING youngster Captain Ravishing is poised to continue his rapid rise to the top when he heads to Tabcorp Park Melton tonight.

Unbeaten from two starts, Captain Ravishing has created a huge buzz during both outings.

Along with an average winning margin of 14 metres, the Australian Pacing Gold purchase broke the track record for his age by rating 1:52.5 over 1720 metres during his second start.

Thrilled with the three-year-old’s progress, trainer Ahmed Taiba is confident Captain Ravishing can maintain his perfect record in the Caduceus Classic.

To be driven by Anthony Butt, the son of Captaintreacherous has drawn to search for the lead from barrier two.

“I’m delighted with the draw…it’s perfect,” Taiba said. “That said, I’ve drawn well in a Group One before and it turned out to be the worst enemy, but it is a great starting point.

“If he repeats his performance from his last start he should be winning, but that’s not to say Matty Craven’s horse (Heza Son Of Agun) can be taken lightly.

“He’s a last start Group One winner and looks pretty good.”

Should Captain Ravishing perform to expectations, Taiba will design a program around having the colt at Club Menangle for next month’s New South Wales Derby.

Heats of the Blue Riband are scheduled to be held on February 26.

“It’s been a while since I had one with as much promise as him,” Taiba said. “He’s worth getting out of bed for and I’m pretty excited about his future.

“The New South Wales Derby is definitely on the agenda…I look forward to seeing what he can do on the big Menangle track, but first we have to get through tonight.”