Kementari and Gongs to be put to the test at Rosehill

Guineas-bound colt Kementari will be out to establish his standing among Australia’s three-year-olds when he appears at Rosehill on Saturday, 24 February.

On the same card, the two-year-old filly Gongs has the chance to do the same among her generation.

Kementari’s position among his age group received a considerable boost when he brilliantly won the G3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Warwick Farm on Saturday, 10 February.

While that victory, his first at Stakes level, was everything trainer James Cummings hoped it would be, he is conscious of the challenge facing Kementari at Rosehill.

“He was well treated under the conditions of his last race, now he has to step up again at level weights against some very good three-year-olds in the Hobartville,” 

“This is all about who’s the best.”

Kementari (Glyn Schofield) had shown himself to be among the best spring three-year-olds when narrowly beaten in the G1 Caulfield Guineas, after which Cummings put in place a plan that was executed to perfection by the Godolphin team. 

“His first-up win spoke for itself, but it was also a tribute to the team at Crown Lodge and Osborne Park,” he said.

“They never let him get away from them during his break which allowed him to be more forward when he began this prep.

“He was able to take his first-up run very well and he’s held his form nicely. He’s made me eager to get him back to the races.”

Among Kementari’s rivals on Saturday are the Queensland colt Pierata, who won a $2 million race at his last start, Trapeze Artist, who was very impressive winning first-up, and D’Argento who is unbeaten in three starts.

A similar scenario confronts Gongs (Glyn Schofield) in the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes.

The daughter of Dawn Approach created a big impression in winning her two starts last year, establishing herself as one of the best juvenile fillies in training.

Cummings said he has been delighted with her latest preparation which has included a solid barrier trial.

“She’s needed the trial she had last week and she ran very well to finish second to a good, race-fit horse in Estijaab,” Cummings said.

“Since then she’s gone ahead after coming back into training looking like she’s developed nicely since her first prep.

 “She looks like she’s woken up a bit this time in, as though she wants to get out there and start competing.”

Gongs major autumn target is the G1 Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday, 24 March.