Godolphin eyes more
Blue Army’s group 1 charge gathers pace
A WEEK after celebrating back-to-back Group 1 wins at Rosehill, Godolphin is set to continue its big-race momentum when Pohutukawa and Avilius contest feature events at the Sydney course.
Trainer James Cummings had a momentous day at the races last Saturday when Kiamichi led home a Godolphin trifecta in the Golden Slipper and Avilius returned to his best in the Ranvet Stakes.
Gelding Avilius will back up in Saturday’s $1.5 million Tancred Stakes (2400m), while Pohutukawa will attempt to add another Group 1 to the stable’s list of majors in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), a traditional leadup to next month’s ATC Australian Oaks at Randwick.
The filly produced an eyecatching first-up run when third to Nakeeta Jane in the Light Fingers Stakes, and closed late behind the same filly in the Surround Stakes.
Cummings stepped her up to a mile in the Kembla Grange Classic and she outclassed her opposition to win, earning a return to town and another shot at Group 1 level.
“She looks to be crying out for the 2000m after a storming Group 3 victory over 1600m last time,” he said.
“We were all gushing with praise for her effort but she again has to rise to the occasion against much more proven fillies here.”
Verry Elleegant is favourite for the Vinery on the back of two good runs for trainer Chris Waller, including a last-start victory on a heavy track in the Phar Lap Stakes.