French import Avilius tackles Australian Stakes race

The French import Avilius lines up for his second Australian start at Rosehill on Saturday on the back of trackwork that might normally have left his trainer perplexed.

But the good news for James Cummings and his team, is that Avilius has turned in the same work over the past week as he produced before his stunning first-up win.

"He works like the most relaxed horse,” Cummings said.

Avilius steps up in class and distance in the G3 Premier’s Cup, and is capable of handling both.

“The best thing about it is that he’s exactly the same as when he went into his first start, not showing any glimpse of wanting to overdo it.”

In his first start since arriving in Australia, the former Andre Fabre-trained runner overpowered a moderate field under 59.5kg over 1,600m at Randwick on 11 August.

This time he has 53kg in Stakes company, but Cummings is satisfied he is ready for the challenge.

“I don’t think I’ve had a horse more suited to this program, going into a 1900m race second-up,” he said.

“He did a solid enough piece of work this morning and I’ve got to be really happy with him.

“His work rider is an experienced guy and he was very happy with the way he galloped, so everything points to another really nice performance.”

Avilius was a Listed winner in France where his three placings in Stakes company included a second in the G2 Prix Niel at Chantilly behind the accomplished performer Cracksman.