Cristobal and Gongs put to the test in G2 Percy Sykes

One filly who burst onto the scene in recent months and another who has been aiming at the top level since last spring can establish their standing among Australia’s juveniles in the G2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, 14 April.

Cristobal, a winner on debut at Rosehill in February, made a leap in class at her only subsequent start to tackle the best two-year-old fillies in training and finishing second to Sunlight in the Magic Night Stakes.

Trainer James Cummings has taken a grip on the reins on Saturday, steering Cristobal (Brenton Avdulla) away from the top level to a race he believes is ideal for her.

“This filly has done nothing but go ahead since running a beautiful second to Sunlight in the Magic Night Stakes a couple of weeks ago,” he said.

“She had a nice lung burner in a barrier trial at Rosehill last week and she’s come out of that bouncing and on her toes.”

Gongs (Corey Brown) had established herself as one of the stable’s top youngsters last spring and hasn’t lost any standing in two autumn runs and comes to Saturday’s race after just missing out on a start in the G1 Golden Slipper.

“She’s had a few weeks between runs and comes out of one of the better form races leading up to the Golden Slipper,” Cummings said.

“She looks like she’s strengthened since then and is feeling even better within herself.” 

“If she can acquit herself here then we would be looking forward to her being a very strong spring three-year-old next season.”

Cummings is also taking a longer-term view with the maiden colt Rheingau who runs in the Listed Fernhill Handicap, the first 1600m race of the season for two-year-olds.

“He was beaten in a maiden last start but this is the sort of race in which he can assert his stamina,” he said.

“What he may lack in brilliance and class, I think he makes up for with his physique and pedigree.

“He’s on the rise and we’re very pleased with the progress he’s made.”