Avilius set to make it three-from-three at Randwick

The former French galloper Avilius takes the next step on a path that could lead to the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups when he contests Saturday’s G3 Kingston Town Stakes at Randwick.

On a card that features the world’s highest-rated racehorse Winx attempting her 27th consecutive victory in the G1 Optic White Stakes, Avilius takes his place as one of the revelations of the current Australian season.

Avilius (Glyn Schofield) is two-from-two for new trainer James Cummings and has an undeniable opportunity to improve on that record.

A five-year-old to southern time, Avilius arrived in Sydney in April with a Listed win in France to his credit along with three Group placings, the most recent a second behind the classy Cracksman in the G2 Prix Niel over 2,400m at Chantilly.

While he has reproduced that form in Australia, Cummings is looking for further progression on Saturday. 

“If he is to be a Cups contender he has to keep on improving and absorbing the pressure,” Cummings said.

“He is thriving and I expect him to enjoy the 2000m at Randwick on the way out to 2400m later on.”

“This is a stronger race as you’d expect and he meets some good horses.”

“The good thing about this race is that he can’t be penalised for the Cup.”

Avilius is opposed to an even field in which he is likely to be the only last-start winner.

The stable is double-handed in the G3 Bill Ritchie Handicap with Duca Valentinois (Glyn Schofield) and Flow (Rachel King).

Cummings is expecting improvement from Duca Valentinois on Saturday, with more to come at his next outing.

“He had an interrupted run last time when he was first up,” the trainer said.

“He’s training like a horse who will need the run.”

Flow has been in peak form at his past three starts and Cummings believes he has held onto that level since his last-start second in the Listed Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury.

”Flow continues to thrive and will relish the 1400m,” he said.

The contingent is completed by It’s Somewhat (Corey Brown) who is not expected to trouble Winx in the G1 Optic White Stakes.

“I’ll be happy to see him run a nice race,” Cummings said”