Encryption seeking second G3 success at Caulfield

Encryption (Craig Williams) is looking to recapture his best two-year-old form when he contests Saturday’s G3 McNiel Stakes at Caulfield.

The winner of the G3 Black Opal Stakes, Encryption also ran well in two G1 races in the autumn before being spelled.

His only run since then was at Randwick two weeks ago where he was denied clear running.

“He’s gone ahead after a luckless first-up run in similar class at Randwick,” said trainer James Cummmings.

“It’s looking like a strong field, but we’re happy to see him in a race like this.”

Among his well-credentialled opponents are Tony Nicconi who is unbeaten in his only two starts and the Queensland filly Granny Red Shoes.

The Caulfield stakes-race contingent also includes Rillito and a trouble-free run is all that stands between her and an all-important, black-type victory when she contests Saturday’s G3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield.

Rillito (Damian Lane) has produced career-best form in the four runs of her current preparation, the last three of which have been at Caulfield.

After a dominant win at the track when second-up in June, she has been no more than a half-length from the winner in two runs since.

“I’m dying to see her get a better run than at her last couple,” Cummings said.

“It would be a wonderful result for her to pick up some Black Type in a race like this.”

Rillito has raced only 12 times but has shown superior ability from the start of her career as a two-year-old in 2014.

In that time she has won five races, three of which have been in the left-handed, Melbourne direction.

“While she tends to go better at the start of her preparation, she’s in good form, training well and she’s won here at Caulfield.”