Godolphin’s French import Avilius has cemented favouritism for the Australian Cup with an effortless win in the Group 2 $200,000 Carlton Draught Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield today.
Avilius, above, scores an effortless win in the Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Avilius made it look so easy and Hugh Bowman didn’t even raise a sweat as the talented five year old strolled to the line to treat his opposition with content to record a one and half length victory under a tight hold.
Bowman had Avilius travelling smoothly from the inside gate and he was able to wave his magic wand and secure a run in between runners at the 250m to give Godolphin royal blue colours another victory on Ladbrokes Blue Diamond Stakes Day.
Avilius was marked as the $3 favourite for the Group 1 $1.5m Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 9 before today’s Peter Young Stakes but bookies at Ladbrokes.com.au had no choice but to wind him into $2.20 at the top of the market order.
Trainer James Cummings was understandably excited by today’s win as he looks forward to the Australian Cup.
“That was a big result,” Cummings said.
“Bought this import along at his second preparation and to see him perfectly ridden to be produced half way down the straight and with that finish and with even luck he is going to be the horse to beat in the Australian Cup.”
“He is a beautiful horse, he is clean winded. He does everything right for us.”
“Today was his first weight for age win in Australia and I thought it was extremely impressed the way he did it, he enjoyed the firm track, enjoyed the pace throughout.”
“He settled a bit closer and I was impressed to see him perform late and the Australian Cup back at Flemington in a couple of weeks looks ideal and we would love to see him in the same form in two weeks time.”
Avilius was sent out as the $1.95 favourite and the punters had no reason to worry as he reeled in the leader Trap For Fools ($15) who held on for second ahead of Ace High ($31) who was strong to the line for third.
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