The Monstar finished a luckless seventh of the eight runners after missing the start over the 955-metre dash with apprentice jockey Jake Duffy aboard.

The three-year old gelding was also held-up at a crucial stage in the straight when trying to push out and gain some clear galloping room.

“He missed the kick and then had to settle on the fence where you don’t want to be over 955 metres,” Cavanough said.

“They slowed up mid-race and when he wanted to flush out he got shoved back in.

“He only got beat 3.5-lengths in the finish which I thought was a pretty fair effort for his first try in city company.”

The Monstar was well supported in betting to start as the $3.80 second favourite after winning three of his four career starts.

Cavanough said The Monstar performed best with at least three weeks between runs and would either return to Moonee Valley next month or target a suitable sprint on the country circuit for his next start.

Meanwhile, reigning Albury Gold Cup winner Niblick is back in work with Cavanough set to target back-to-back cups with the talented seven-year-old.

Niblick won the $101,500 Listed National Sprint (1400 metres) in Canberra first-up last year before handing Cavanough his first hometown feature at his next start.

Cavanough said Niblick could possibly follow an identical preparation this year and once again target the Riverina’s richest race second up.

Stablemates, Bossdon City and Ceccanti who both won races during the Albury carnival last year, alongside Price Of Glory, are also back in work.

The trio will also once again target races during the carnival.

Cavanough said he also had up to 15 maiden gallopers in the stable which were ready to race in the coming weeks.