Encryption set to emulate his mother in G1 Champagne Stakes

A new attempt to break through at G1 level will be made by Encryption in the Champagne Stakes, the third leg of Sydney’s juvenile Triple Crown at Randwick on Saturday, 21 April.

The Champagne also offers the colt another opportunity to emulate his dam Guelph whose win in the 2013 edition of the race was one of four at G1 level and followed a victory in the second leg of the Triple Crown, the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Encryption will almost certainly have other chances to win at the top level, but trainer James Cummings believes he can get an early score on the board here.

The son of Lonhro finished sixth in the Sires’ after jumping from a wide gate and being unable to get close to the fence.

“He had a pretty tough run in the Sires Produce where he had to use up a fair bit from his wide barrier, Cummings said.

“He needed a week to get over that run, but the sort of work he’s shown me early this week has been very strong and I think stepping up to 1600m for the first time provides him with a very interesting challenge.”

“Whether or not he’s going to bridge the gap, which was only narrow, we’ll have to wait and see.”

“But now that he’s arriving here fitter he has the grounding to be running a big race.”

Encryption’s pedigree suggests the “interesting challenge” Cummings is anticipating can be met.

While Guelph’s sire Exceed And Excel is generally a source of speed, Encryption’s maternal line also contains plenty of stamina influences.

His granddam Camarilla is also a G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes winner and third dam Camarena won a G1 Queensland Derby over 2400m.

Encryption’s only win to date was in the G3 Black Opal Stakes in Canberra in March and the Sires’ run when beaten less than two lengths by the winner, Eldorado Dreaming entitles him to respect on Saturday.