G1 Champion Stakes within reach for Aramayo

An impressive last-start win and a pedigree that points to classic prospects have Aramayo (Tye Angland) well in contention for Saturday’s G1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.

The son of the ill-fated Poet’s Voice burst into prominence with his victory in the G3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle in which he came from last in a big field to beat stable companion Cloak, who he meets again here.

The Newcastle win came at Aramayo’s first attempt at 1600m and with a performance that suggested the step up to 2000m would be ideal.

And trainer James Cummings is satisfied a G1 challenge is within him.

“He’s kept building up in condition in the past three weeks,” Cummings said.

“He’s full of himself and enjoyed a strong gallop on the turf on Tuesday morning to bring his fitness levels right up to where they need to be.

“The step up in distance will suit him and his pedigree is really backing up his performance as we get back toward these Classic distances.”

While Poet’s Voice performed best at a mile, his progeny have shown good staying ability, his son Poet’s Word having won the G1 King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at 1-1/2 miles, while Aramayo’s female family also possesses plenty of stoutness.

Cloak (Josh Parr) led in the Newcastle race and subsequently finished well back behind Mickey Blue Eyes in the Listed Dulcify Stakes at Randwick last Saturday.

But Cummings has reason to expect improvement this week.

“He needs to be better behaved and more focused if he’s to perform at his best,” the trainer said.

“He cost himself his chance at the start last time through a lack of concentration.

“If he’s more switched on and focussed here he can run a good race and could quickly turn it around.”

Cloak is also an acceptor in the Listed UCI Stakes at Flemington.

Aramayo’s main opposition appears to come from last-start Listed winner Mickey Blue Eyes, Thinkin’ Big and the filly Frankly Awesome who has won her only two starts.