Tony Williams joins Aquis

Aquis Farm has decided to split the management of its growing stud farm and racing operations and has announced Tony Williams has been appointed as CEO Aquis Stud Farm with Shane McGrath moving to the role of Managing Director of Aquis Farm.

Aquis Farm's interests in Australia have grown significantly over the past few years, with a three-state breeding operation running alongside its Australian and international racing interests.

Williams, who has over 40 years of industry experience, has been working in the role of Goffs UK Managing Director since late 2016, having previously worked with Magic Millions and Newgate Farm in Australia. He will commence his new role effective from 1 January 2020.

“I’m extremely honoured to be joining the Aquis Farm team. Their foresight and ingenuity at becoming a market leader is second to none, and I can’t wait to ensure the vision of the Fung family comes to fruition,” Williams said.

“Having been in the UK for the past few years, I’d like to thank Goffs for the opportunities presented to me, while I am looking forward to heading back to Australia and being located in Queensland.”

McGrath's role will put renewed focus on Aquis' Farm's racing operation domestically and internationally.

“It’s a very exciting time for Aquis - having recently acquired the hottest stallion prospect in the country (Pierata), and with Tony Williams joining the team, whose international standing is second to none, Aquis’ position within the global breeding and racing industries has once again strengthened further,” stated McGrath.

Avilius takes on internationals

Trainer James Cummings is confident Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) is ready to tackle a host of international rivals and a trio of weight-for-age veterans in Saturday's G1 Ladbrokes S. at Caulfield.

Avilius was a last start winner of the G1 George Main S. at Randwick and his trainer believes the Godolphin import is ready to step up to 2000 metres for the first time this campaign.

“He’s done particularly well since winning at Randwick and we are looking forward to seeing him over a journey where he is more adept,” he said.

“His wet track form is exceptional, but he is no stranger to a dry track and has won a couple of times at Caulfield. The horse galloped beautifully at Caulfield on Tuesday morning.”

Avilius faces four horses making their Australian debut in Suzuka Devious (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}), Dream Castle (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Danceteria (Fr) (Redoute's Choice) and Cape Of Good Hope (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

Also in the field are last start G1 Underwood S. winner Black Heart Bart (Blackfriars), Humidor (NZ) (Teofilo {Ire}) and Gailo Chop (Fr) (Deportivo {GB}) as well as dual G1 Australian Cup winner Harlem (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}), Homesman (USA) (War Front {USA}) and Gatting (Hard Spun {USA}).

McEvoy gets Cup ride on Finche

Kerrin McEvoy has been booked to ride Finche (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Melbourne Cup.

McEvoy rode Finche when he won the G3 Kingston Town S. two starts back and while he was unable to ride him when he finished second in the G1 Turnbull S. when ridden by Damian Lane, he will get his chance to attempt a fourth win in the race.

McEvoy won the Melbourne Cup on Brew (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) in 2000, Almandin (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) in 2016 and Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) last year.

A fourth Melbourne Cup win would put him level with Bobbie Lewis and Harry White.

However McEvoy will not ride Finche in the Caulfield Cup as he is committed to ride Redzel (Snitzel) on the same day in The Everest at Randwick.

Lyre ready for blue battle

Anthony Freedman believes Lyre (Lonhro) is at her peak for Saturday's G1 Schweppes Thousand Guineas and can upset her fellow Godolphin contender Flit (Medaglia d'Oro {USA}).

Flit is a short-priced favourite for the fillies' feature, but Freedman thinks the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner, who comes into the race fourth up, is ready for the step up to 1600 metres.

“This is the trip she’s been looking for,” he said. “Even in her first run back at 1200, she looked like she needed 1400, now the 1600 looks ideal for her.

“She comes into the race as the only Group 1 winner in the field - and she won it at Caulfield. We feel she has improved with every run, she has a good gate - in a relatively small field she has a lot going for her.”

As well as Flit, Godolphin head trainer also has Tenley (Medaglia d'Oro {USA}) in the race.

Pike chases Everest dream

The Everest dream remains alive for Tony Pike, who is aiming to secure a spot in the $14 million race with The Bostonian (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}) by winning Saturday's G2 Schillaci S. at Caulfield.

The two-time Group 1 winner was ninth, but beaten just 2l in the G1 Moir S. last time out and Pike expects a vastly improved performance on Saturday.

“I am really happy with him,” he said. “Damian Lane (jockey) galloped him on the course proper at Flemington on Tuesday and said he had taken no harm from his fresh-up run.

“The field has probably dropped away a touch, it is definitely not as strong as the Moir was.

“He has come up with a good gate this time, with gate three, which is going to be a huge advantage. "

Pike said he would definitely look to press on to The Everest should The Bostonian win the Schillaci S. which offers a free ticket into the race.

“With The Everest slot up for grabs for the winner of that race, it is going to be a very interesting day and there will be a lot of organising if we are lucky enough to win on Saturday afternoon,” he said.

Magic Millions releases Spring Racehorse Sale catalogue

A draft of 15 racehorses from Godolphin makes up the majority of the catalogue for next Tuesday's Magic Millions Spring Racehorse Sale.

The sale will take place at the conclusion of Magic Millions Gold Coast 2YOs in Training Sale and will contain a typically strong contingent from Godolphin.

Piracy (Exceed And Excel), stakes-placed and a winner at Warwick Farm on Monday, is among those on offer as well as recent winners Landstrasse (Sepoy), Revenire (Lonhro) and Sedgemoor (Bernardini {USA}).

Supplementary entries remain open until Friday.

Stakes aim for Cinzento

An impressive win in maiden company at Taupo on Wednesday has the connections of the John Bary-trained Cinzento (NZ) (Dalghar {Fr}) ready to aim the filly at stakes company.

The margin may have been only a half head, but Bary has considerable faith in Cinzento and managing owner Adrian Clark said the bar will be raised.

“John and his team have moulded her. The penny’s dropped, she’s coming good now and I think we’ll probably have a crack at a stakes race now,” Clark, who manages the Challenge No.10 Syndicate, said.

“I found this horse on Gavelhouse and loved her. She was raw and she was cheeky."