{"id":1698,"date":"2020-09-01T13:00:06","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T03:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theracingsharks.com.au\/?post_type=news&p=1698"},"modified":"2020-09-01T13:00:28","modified_gmt":"2020-09-01T03:00:28","slug":"cummings-comfortable-with-avilius-delay","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/theracingsharks.com.au\/news\/cummings-comfortable-with-avilius-delay\/","title":{"rendered":"Cummings comfortable with Avilius delay"},"content":{"rendered":"
James Cummings is convinced Avilius could have featured in the Winx Stakes had he run, but the Godolphin trainer is equally content with the decision to delay his return.<\/p>\n
The multiple Group One winner has opened a $3.50 TAB fixed odds favourite for his campaign launch in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Avilius was scratched from the Winx Stakes two weeks ago as the Godolphin team felt the backmarker faced a tough task from a wide draw.<\/p>\n
In the end, the race was run at a genuine tempo, setting it up for Verry Elleegant to come from the back with a sweeping run around the field to score.<\/p>\n
“It’s a funny thing, it would have suited him in the end with the backmarkers coming home,” Cummings said.<\/p>\n
“But the Chelmsford will just have a little bit of the edge off (him) compared to the Winx.<\/p>\n
“I’ve loved his campaign when I’ve run him first up over a mile.”<\/p>\n
Stablemate and Australian Oaks winner Colette is also among nominations for the Chelmsford, along with the Tramway Stakes (1400m) on the same program.<\/p>\n
The pair had an exhibition gallop between races at Rosehill on Saturday and Cummings is confident both are on target to feature this spring.<\/p>