As is usually the case, Godolphin look well placed heading into the weekend’s action, with runners in the 2020 Theo Marks Stakes, the 2020 Sheraco Stakes, and the 2020 Let’s Elope Stakes.
James Cummings touched on each of his chances.
Rosehill
Theo Marks Stakes – Group 2 – 1300m
Duca Valentinois – $71
“He’s had a good break between preparations which should put some speed back into his legs.
“The conditions of the race suit him.
“He might appear round and burly, but he’s feeling good and has the opportunity to add to a record to be proud of.”
Ranier – $12
“His autumn form was extremely pleasing and with a short break and only the one trial leading into this race, he still has plenty of bounce in his step.
“In three runs last prep he won two in a row in Sydney and was beaten a length at G1 level in the Stradbroke.
“On the strength of that, it’s not hard to see him running a good race here.”
Watch: Ranier run home well on the rail in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
Sheraco Stakes – Group 2 – 1200m
Flit – $17
“She’s bringing form from a run in the Winx Stakes where she got held up and didn’t have the opportunity to finish off.
“It’s going to be nice to have Hugh Bowman back to give us a horse and jockey combination that was lethal back in February in the Light Fingers.
“I’m very happy to see her back at six furlongs with the blinkers back on.”
Watch: Flit encounter heavy traffic in the Winx Stakes.
Flemington
Let’s Elope Stakes – Group 2 – 1400m
Savatiano – $2.60
“She’ll be fighting fit and dangerously hard to beat.
“This might be Plan B after missing the Memsie Stakes, but she carries winning form against the males over this distance into a race that suits a mare who has won 10 races and close to $2 million.
“Her win in the Lawrence maintained her great first-up record, and there’s not a lot wrong with her second-up form either.”
Watch: Savatiano take out the P.B. Lawrence Stakes.