If I Could looks the goods

3rd Feb 2012

It’s been seven years since Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Mark Kavanagh shot to prominence in Victoria with Blue Diamond winner Undoubtedly (Redoute's Choice) but the master trainer will be looking to add another juvenile black-type trophy to his mantle when promising juvenile If I Could (NZ) (Iffraaj) runs in the Listed Emirates Airline Stakes  (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Mark Kavanagh

A NZ$540,000 purchase from the 2011 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, If I Could (NZ) made a strong debut three weeks ago; finishing a three-quarter-length second behind the Ellerton/Zahra-trained Formidable (Strada) in the A$70,000 Better Beyond 2YO Plate at Flemington.

“He pulled up excellent after his debut run,” Mark Kavanagh said, “He’s really improved and I’m confident that he will go better around a turn.

“He should go pretty good. He’s given us every indication that he’s very promising and should be more than competitive come the spring.

If I Could (NZ) will meet a strong field that includes current Blue Diamond favourite Jimando (Commands).

“It’s a strong field but he should be very competitive.” 

A son of European Champion Two-Year-Old Sire Iffraaj, If I Could (NZ) will be guided by champion rider Michael Rodd. 

To view the field for this race, please click here.