Avilius chases place in Tancred history
GODOLPHIN stayer Avilius is attempting to join champions Octagonal and Tie The Knot as the only dual winners of the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill tomorrow.
Octagonal was the first to achieve the feat with successive Tancred wins in 1996-97 then Tie The Knot went back-to-back in 1999-2000.
Avilius won the Tancred last year and trainer James Cummings said the gelding has been specifically set for tomorrow’s $1.5 million race.
“He’s looked well throughout this campaign, maybe too well,’’ Cummings said.
“But he hasn’t been at his absolute best, making me feel that he’s been half-a-run short. This race has been his main target.
“He got to the line to finish third last start and this will be his first run over 2400m in 12 months. Having recovered well from the Ranvet, it is now a case of back up and bounce back.”
Avilius is the $5.50 second favourite behind the Chris Waller-trained Verry Elleegant, the $2.10 favourite, in Ladbrokes’ market.
In the other Group 1 race tomorrow, Godolphin is relying on the improving filly Asiago in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
She is at $19 while the Waller stable’s outstanding Funstar is favourite at $1.75.
“Asiago has a turn of foot at 1600m that we believe can serve her well at 2000m,’’ Cummings said.
“She also has the strength that comes after a couple of preparations. She is a classic style of filly.’’
The Godolphin trainer is optimistic about the chances of Pohutukawa in the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) and Cascadian and Gaulois in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m).
“Pohutukawa couldn’t get mobile on the very heavy going in the Coolmore here two weeks ago,’’ he said.
“That was a shame because she’s been ready to fire. She’s trained since then in a way that suggests she has maintained that level.
“I can’t fault the way Cascadian is going. He’s progressed sensibly and safely.”