Viridine to find form in G2 Arrowfield Sprint

A drop in grade and a step up in fitness come together to give Viridine his chance to return to winning form in Saturday’s G2 Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick.

Viridine (Hugh Bowman) is joined in the race by stable companion Isaurian and trainer James Cummings is satisfied both colts have what it takes to be highly competitive.

Having created a big impression winning his first four races, Viridine completed his spring campaign with a close fifth behind Merchant Navy in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington last November.

On his return to racing he finished just behind the placegetters in the G2 Challenge Stakes on 10 March and was closing strongly when third to In Her Time in the G1 Galaxy two weeks later.

“Viridine came out of the Galaxy in good shape and he looks a little better for the run,” Cummings said.

“It’s a strong test for him, the filly I Am Excited is flying and her form is faultless.

“But I still feel he could show us one of his biggest performances.”

Cummings is also bullish about the prospects of Isaurian (Brenton Avdulla) in what shapes as the toughest assignment of his career.

“Don’t count this colt out,” Cummings warned.

“He has great form around I Am Excited after finishing second in the Darby Munro three weeks ago. If he can get the breaks at the right time he’s not without a chance.”

In a race made up of five colts and five fillies, the Godolphin pair look to have the males covered, but the females include he 2017 G1 Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign, the last-start winner Houtzen and I Am Excited who has won her past three starts.