breednet.com.au

Avilius Bounces Back in Ranvet Stakes

Mark Smith - Saturday March 23

After disappointing in the Australian Cup, Godolphin's import Avilius (GB) kept his unbeaten record in Sydney intact with a dominant performance in Saturday's Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.

After winning a pair of Group III races at Caulfield, Avilius finished fifth, a length and a half behind the winner Harlem (GB) in the Group 1 Australia Cup at Flemington on March 9.

Advertisement

He bounced back here under Kerrin McEvoy, displaying an impressive turn of foot on the heavy track to defeat the imported Frankel entire He's Eminent by two and a quarter lengths with Danzdanzdance a half-length back in third. (image Steve Hart)


The 5yo son of Pivotal advances his record to 9 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds from 17 starts with earnings of $1,504,460.

"He's a super horse and that was a demonstration of the supreme turn of foot that he can exhibit," winning trainer James Cummings said.

"Kerrin wasn't here to ride the track, he was here to ride the horse and I think that was the key to getting the horse over the line.

"He had a bit to turn around from his performance in the Australian Cup and we knew it but he's had a fantastic fortnight and I'm just proud of the team.

"I'm just so impressed by the horse to come from such a difficult position to claim them and win with authority.

"That's the sort of weight for age promise that he demonstrated when he hit the racetrack in Australia last year. He's got up and won us a Group 1 so we're thrilled for the horse.

"We hold a nomination for the Tancred next week but it's very much a team effort to get him here and he's done a wonderful job to improve many, many lengths since getting back from Melbourne."

A brother to Group II Prix Guillaume d'Ornano winner Saint Baudolino, Avilius is out of the winning Sunday Silence mare Alessandria whose dam Tereshkova (Mr Prospector) is a sister to Group 1 Middle Park Stakes winner and one season shuttler Lycius (USA).


Advertisment
More Reading...
G1 Australian Guineas Goal for Flying Artie Colt
A full brother to dual Group I winner Artorius, Flying Artie colt Sixties is on track to have a crack at a Group I of his own later this month after scoring a stylish win in the Group III VRC CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Diamond Jak Wins Listed Kaimai Stakes
With the weather closing in again towards the tail end of a memorable Matamata Breeders’ Stakes day, it was left to durable stayer Diamond Jak to add some further sparkle to proceedings as he bolted away with the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m).
Avilius Makes a Statement
In the post Winx era, Godolphin’s import Avilius (GB) staked his claim as the best horse in the land following a last to first win in Saturday’s $750,000 Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
Injury ends French Group I-winners career
Injury has forced the retirement of this season's French Group I-winning filly Siyarafina.
Third Stakes Success For Cafe Millenium
Resuming with a close-up fourth in the Listed Barton Stakes recently, 5yo Not A Single Doubt gelding Cafe Millenium was too strong at Flemington on Saturday, winning the Listed VRC Elms Handicap (1400m), his third black type victory.
Dazzling Return for Joliestar in G2 Expressway
When Zoustar mare Joliestar gets conditions to suit, the five year-old can produce a lethal turn of foot and we saw it at Randwick on Saturday when she exploded past a small but select field in the Group II ATC Expressway Stakes (1200m).
Second Black Type Win For Weeping Woman - Half-Sister Inglis Premier
When a mare is in form, there’s no reason to shy away, and Saturday’s G3 ATC Triscay Stakes (1200m) win of Joe Pride’s Lonhro mare Weeping Woman was her fourth win in a row, including consecutive black type victories.
Second Stakes Win for My Lips Are Sealed
A heady front-running ride from Rory Hutchings helped underrated mare My Lips Are Sealed bounce back to winning form in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) on her home track at Matamata on Saturday.
Avilius Stakes His Claim for Australian Cup
Making his return to racing after being skittled on the first turn in the Melbourne Cup, Godolphin’s import Avilius (GB) looked a long way off the finished article in the saddling paddock but he looked a million dollars at the finish of Saturday’s Group III T S Carlyon Cup at Caulfield.
Lightning Strike at Flemington as Tentyris Dominates
As arguably the most exciting 3yo colt in training, could it be that Godolphin’s Tentyris has gone to another level? If his win in Saturday’s $1m G1 VRC Lightning Stakes (1000m) down the Flemington straight is anything to go by, then we're in for some exciting viewing over the coming months.