Written by Paul Vettise
Godolphin had a heavy presence at the Hawkesbury trials on Monday and among them Group 1 winners Flit (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and Colette (Hallowed Crown).
Trainer James Cummings was more than satisfied with their efforts and happy with the trio’s progress since returning to the stable, but has yet to set their spring programs in stone.
The G1 Caulfield Guineas and G2 Light Fingers S. winner Flit, who is already prominent in the market for the $7.5 million Golden Eagle, hasn’t been seen since she finished runner-up in the G2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint in April.
Ridden by Rachel King, Flit finished a close second to stablemate Athiri (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), who was partnered by Tommy Berry, in her 800 metre heat.
Watch: Athiri trial
“Athiri was very good and we’ll be taking our time with her, we’ll be patient. She’s had an easy time of it and we’re comfortable where she’s at,” Cummings said.
A multiple Group placegetter, Athiri hasn’t raced since November while Avilius hasn’t been out since he finished third behind Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) in the G1 Tancred S. at Rosehill in March.
He was unable to add to his tally of three Group 1 victories during his last campaign, but was ultra-consistent and also placed in the G1 Ranvet S.
Quiet outing
The 6-year-old, Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), was given a quiet time in his 800 metre heat by rider Jason Collett and finished at the back of the four-horse contest dominated by his stablemate Zakat (Lonhro) and Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), winner of the G3 Doncaster Prelude in the autumn.
“Avilius warmed up late in a slowly-run heat. He enjoyed the exercise and he’s still a bit big, but it will help to bring him on,” Cummings said.
Avilius’ trial was similar to Colette, who was ridden by Berry, and she finished last of five over 800 metres and 3.1l off the winner.
“Colette was good through the line and she’s looking good. She’s another who has had an easy time and nothing is set in stone for her in the spring,” Cummings said.
Watch: Zakat trial
The winner of four of her seven starts, Colette was one of Godolphin’s star performers in the spring and progressed from a maiden win at Newcastle in February to win the G1 Australian Oaks, at the expense of subsequent G1 Schweppes Oaks winner Toffee Tongue (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}).
Lightly-tried filly Emanate (Lonhro), a winning daughter of four-time Group 1 winner Guelph (Exceed And Excel), was successful in her 1000 metre heat while Cummings also produced The Graces (Exceed And Excel) and In Flanders (Exceed And Excel) to win 800 metre 2-year-old heats.
