Pericles set to step up to WFA company
The retirement of superstar has Godolphin on the lookout for its next weight-for-age horse and James Cummings is banking on Pericles filling the void.
The gelding has been carefully managed and took a traditional three-year-old path through the autumn, highlighted by a Group 2 triumph in Melbourne and narrow second to Lindermann in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas.
Returning with a brace of 1400-metre wins, Pericles is now set to step up to weight-for-age company when he takes on the likes of established performers Zaaki, Think It Over and Fangirl in Saturday’s 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
“We’ve had a pretty good start to the season and the team is doing an excellent job as we do our best to fill the big gap left behind by the retirement of Anamoe to stud,” Cummings said.
“The pressure has been on Pericles because in many ways he has needed to be our next weight-for-age horse and essentially, that’s what we’re asking him to do this campaign.”
While Cummings is still weighing up whether the timing is right for the horse this weekend, he is increasingly tempted by the way the 7 Stakes looks to pan out for Pericles on paper.
A natural on-pace runner, Pericles can either lead or camp off Zaaki, his wide draw giving apprentice Zac Lloyd the opportunity to dictate tactics.
“I actually like the map, I don’t mind the barrier at all,” Cummings said.
“The query remains whether I want to test the horse at weight-for-age just yet this weekend, coming through a set weights and penalties race where he was nicely in and a handicap before that.
“I could just keep him ticking along for the Epsom without pushing him in this race just yet.
“(But) it’s the type of race where Pericles can run very well. He can roll up there and put himself in the race and he can be fighting on strongly when the pressure begins to build.”
Pericles has been the subject of early support, firming from $11 into $8.50 for The 7 Stakes, while Saturday will also be an important afternoon for stablemate In Secret.
The mare is a $3 favourite for The Shorts (1100m) where she will be bidding to underline her credentials as Godolphin’s leading contender for its Everest slot.
“It’s a terrific Shorts, as they have evolved to be now as lead-ups to the premier sprint, and she’s well and truly burning along beautifully to be a competitive chance,” Cummings said.
“But make no mistake, we’re going to do our best to have her absolutely spot-on next month.”
More Racing News
Vein Girl impresses in rich Magic Millions The Debut win
Vein Girl has put herself in contention for next month’s $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a strong win on debut under lights at the Gold Coast’s first night meeting. The Chris and Corey Munce-trained Vein Girl was sent out the $3.50 favourite with betting sites in Friday night’s $250,000...
Pallaton races into 2025 Golden Slipper contention
Pallaton has stamped himself as a two-year-old colt to watch heading into 2025 with an impressive debut win at Randwick. Trained by Michael Freedman and ridden by Tommy Berry, Pallaton raced to a 2-3/4-length victory in Saturday’s Shinzo @ Coolmore Plate (1000m) and firmed to be among the early favourites in Golden Slipper...
Arriving Home set to target the Magic Millions Guineas 2025
Trainer Bjorn Baker would love to get lightly raced filly Arriving Home into the Magic Millions Guineas next month after the three-year-old remained unbeaten with a tough win at Randwick. Stepping up from a midweek city maiden win at Warwick Farm on debut earlier this month into Saturday’s Petaluma Handicap (1300m) – a...
Goldman digs deep in the Pakenham Cup 2024
One time Melbourne Cup favourite, Goldman has notched up his fourth win in Australia, leading throughout to take the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) under Beau Mertens. Jumping an $8.50 chance, Goldman’s staying prowess was on show as he kicked back to deny Grand Pierro ($19) by a long head, with $3.30 betting site...
The Kings horse Gilded Water wins at Randwick
Imported stayer Gilded Water has made it back-to-back victories in Australia and has given his owner, His Majesty King Charles III, a winner at Royal Randwick. The King’s racing manager John Warren was on track at Randwick on Saturday as the Ciaron Maher-trained Gilded Water raced to a convincing victory in the...
Here To Shock gives Lindsay Park quinella in The Supernova
Ben, Will & Jd Hayes had the numbers two and three seed to knock off race-favourite Nadal in Saturday’s $1 million The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham and did just that, with Here To Shock, ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, edging stablemate Arkansaw Kid in a thrilling stable quinella. Here To Shock ($4.60) trailed a strong...
Kevin Daffy happy to wait with Oh Too Good ahead of VOBIS Gold Bullion
Trainer Kevin Daffy says there is still plenty of time to chase the big league with his lightly-raced mare Oh Too Good. A winner of four of her seven starts with three runner-up finishes as well, Oh Too Hard runs in the VOBIS Gold Bullion (1400m) at Pakenham on Saturday. Daffy was sounded...
Bedggood chases rich The Supernova prize
Two rising nine-year-olds, both resuming, will give Gavin Bedggood a potential shot at his biggest payday as a trainer. A former jockey, Bedggood has been plying his trade as a trainer since 2017 and during the recent Melbourne Spring Carnival prepared Mornington Glory to land his first Group 1 success. Just Folk and Windstorm, both...
Collett hoping for Dream Brisbane raid in BJ McLachlan Stakes and Magic Millions Falvelon
A pair of promising two-year-olds from the Ciaron Maher stable have lured top Sydney hoop Jason Collett to Queensland for back-to-back meetings this weekend. Collett is heading north to partner filly Life After Love in the $250,000 Magic Millions The Debut (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday night and her Maher-trained stablemate...
Theodore aims to keep strike-rate going in Christmas Cup at Murray Bridge
Trainer Stephen Theodore is looking to Divine Fire keeping his impressive strike-rate going when she shoots for a winning hat-trick on Saturday. After victories at Morphettville and Gawler, Divine Fire runs in the Christmas Cup (1600m) at Murray Bridge with Jacob Opperman in the saddle. Since returning to training ranks at the start of...