Consistent Interlocuter set for Stakes success

The imported five-year-old Interlocuter is already a leading contender for the title of Godolphin’s most consistent Australian runner.

But he can make certain of the honour by maintaining his winning form in Saturday’s G2 Villiers Stakes at Randwick, in which he will be joined by stablemate Federal (Kathy O’Hara).

Interlocuter (Tye Angland) began his career in France where he won in maiden company on debut.

He had one more run before being shipped south and has clearly relished life in his new home, winning five times in seven starts and finishing second in the other two.

The son of Medaglia d'Oro will be attempting to make it four on end in the Villiers, which will be his first attempt in Stakes company.

“There’s no doubt he deserves his chance in a Stakes race,” said trainer James Cummings. 

“He’s performed so well right from the day he got off the plane, but the pressure is on now that he’s favorite here in a race which always seems to be hotly contested.”

Interlocuter’s past two wins have been over trips beyond the 1,600m of the Villiers, but Cummings is satisfied he will handle it.

“He’s freshened up very comfortably. It will be a month between runs, but he’s had a trial and he had a nice, easy gallop on Tuesday, I’m very happy with him.”

The Australian team is also expecting Chetwood (Tye Angland) to acquit himself well when he returns to racing after a nine-month break in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick.

Chetwood had strung together a four-win sequence in his previous campaign, winning the G3 Cameron Handicap at Newcastle where he had the subsequent G1 winner Le Romain in second.

He is also a winner in Listed company at Caulfield and indicated he was in good form when winning a 900m trial last month by 12 lengths.  

“He’s an interesting runner who’s had a good break and he’s shown us that he’s ready to get back to his best with some good performances in his trials,” Cummings said.

“He looks a picture and we’re looking forward to seeing him back at the races.”