Godolphin’s Avilius seeks fourth Group1 glory in Doomben Cup

Another campaign reaches a peak for Avilius when he tackles a hot winter field in Saturday’s Group One Doomben Cup.

On a programme on which Ranier (Hugh Bowman) carries the Godolphin colours in the G3 BRC Sprint and Varda (Kerrin McEvoy) does battle in the Listed Chief de Beers Stakes, Avilius (Kerrin McEvoy) holds star billing in his bid to add a fourth G1 title to his record.

While the Doomben Cup contains similar-strength opposition to that which Avilius faced when fourth in the G2 Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast two weeks ago, there is reason to anticipate improvement.

“He continues to perform at the elite level. He has won almost 30 per cent of his races and more than $3.6 million in prize money.” said trainer James Cummings.

“Saturday’s distance will suit and his trackwork and demeanour suggest he is a happy, healthy racehorse.”

“This campaign has seen him place in two Group Ones and, arguably, unlucky in the three he has contested.”

Avilius’ main danger is Zaaki, the winner of the Hollindale at his third Australian start, while strong opposition can also be expected from Mugatoo and the G1 WS Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet.

Ranier comes to the BRC Sprint after a strong first-up effort when runner-up in good company in the G3 Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick.

“We were delighted with his first-up run at Randwick and his recent trial was conducted to instructions, with this event in mind.” Cummings said.

“His second-up and distance stats read well for 1,350m at Doomben.”

Varda has her chance to return to winning form over a distance she has excelled at in the BRC Sprint.

“She is very genuine and put together a series of impressive wins last winter. She may find it a little tougher but 1,100m is her cream pie distance and soft conditions will bring her right into it.”

The weekend Stakes contingent is completed by Pandemic (Damien Oliver) who returns from Adelaide for the Listed Straight Six at Flemington with form that places him among the leading chances.

“He’s coming off a strong closing second to the winner of The Goodwood. That form speaks for itself.” Cummings said.

Earlier, Avilius has delivered the crowning performance of his ever-more illustrious career with a dominant breakthrough victory in G1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill in March, 2019.

For the former French-trained middle-distance performer it was his seventh Australian win and his first at the elite level.

It also came off the back of a disappointing effort in the G1 Australian Cup at Flemington two weeks earlier when he looked the winner only to fade into fifth place.

But on a heavy track at Rosehill, Avilius showed his true form, justifying the faith of his trainer James Cummings and the devotion of his team.

Allowed plenty of time to find his feet by Jockey Kerrin McEvoy, Avilius settled close to midfield in the 14-runner field, setting out after the long-time leader, He’s Eminent with 400m of the 2,000m race to run.

At the 200m he’s Eminent still held a to length lead, but Avilius was lengthening stride, claiming the lead 100m out and forging to a 2-1/ length win. DanzdanzDance ran on well to finish third a further long neck away.

The horse completed his double in style wit an easy win in the Tancred Stakes in Sydney a week after his victory in the Ranvet.

Avilius put put himself back in Cox Plate frame with an overwhelming victory in the Group One George Main stakes at Randwick in Sept. 2019.

It was a relief for Godolphin head trainer Cummings to see the horse returned to the sort of form that delivered him back-to-back Group One wins. This was Avilius’ third G1 win.