Widden Graduate Chasing Caulfield Cup Start

Mark and Levi Kavanagh have been very patient with progressive Churchill (IRE) gelding First Immortal, who worked his way through his grades last season finishing with a win in the $200,000 VRC Mahogany Challenge Final in July over 2500m.

Given a short spell  after that, First Immortal was second when resuming at Moonee Valley over a mile earlier this month and then relished the step back up to 2000m on Saturday at Caulfield to win the Benchmark 78 event by three and a half lengths.

First Immortal makes it 6️⃣ wins from his last 8️⃣ starts for @Levi_MKavRacing 🔥@HugeBowman pic.twitter.com/i01JFhFLLx

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 23, 2023

First Immortal carried a whopping 63kg and winning rider Hugh Bowman was impressed with his effort.

“I can see him developing into a high class stayer. He’s got a beautiful temperament, he’s very natural. He jumped particularly well and I had the advantage of barrier one which always helps and he put himself there,” Bowman said.

“He’s got the tactical speed if required and he’s clearly got a turn of foot when asked the question. He lumped a pretty significant weight this afternoon to win with authority and I will be as interested as everyone to see how he progresses over the next six to 12 months.”

A $160,000 Inglis Classic purchase for Kavanagh Racing from the Widden Stud draft, First Immortal has the overall record of seven wins from 13 starts with prizemoney topping $416,000.

Connections are dreaming of a Caulfield Cup start for First Immortal, although he is yet to be qualified for the race.

“For us today was a stepping stone for him to get out in trip,” said Levi Kavanagh.

“The next couple of weeks will be interesting and we just have to place him properly to get him there.”

Bred at Widden for a partnership, First Immortal is the best of two winners from Storm Siren, a half-sister by Excites to Group I winner Hot King Prawn and Group III winner Siren’s Fury.

Storm Siren has a yearling colt to follow by Written By, but unfortunately missed to Portland Sky last spring.