City Success for Excess

It was an exciting day for many first-time owners who couldn’t be happier with Excess Funds performance in the two-year-old handicap over 1000 metres at Sandown yesterday.

Trained by Levi Kavanagh and ridden by Luke Nolan Excess Funds settled just off the pace in the six-horse field before surging clear over the final 200m to score by 2.25 lengths. Listed-winning filly Mockery raced outside the lead and worked her way into second, with McCullum holding onto third.

"There were only six horses in the race, but I think it'll turn into a very good form race," Kavanagh said.

Excess Funds had raced just once previously, finishing fourth after hanging out down the straight in the Listed Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington in February. He finished 5.5 lengths behind Microphone, who won in a slick overall time of 1:02.83, with subsequent Group 1 winner I Am A Star (1:02.61) the only quicker juvenile winner over the track and distance since the 2007/08 season.

"Just in the final stages of that race showed signs of immaturity," Kavanagh said.

"I think he's come on from last preparation. He's come back a lot stronger and a lot better off. I was happy with him coming into this race."

Nolan reinforced the comments of Kavanagh, noting post-race that Excess Funds had returned 'in good shape'.

At this stage Excess Funds will have his next start in the $100,000 TAB Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville on July 27 - the Listed race restricted to two and three-year-olds.

"It's a good step between now and then for the Lightning, we'll look to see how he pulls up," Kavanagh said.

"He'll either go to the Lightning Stakes at Morphettville or Moonee Valley for a race the week after that."

By Rubick out of Exceed And Excel mare Save A Penny, Excess Funds was purchased for $85,000 from last year's Inglis Classic yearling sale.

It’s no secret that the stable is a big fan of Rubick and earlier this year purchased a handful of Rubick yearlings to train. If you would like to get involved, please contact the stable for more information.