Undefeated Viridine poised for big campaign
THREE wins in a row for boom Godolphin colt Viridine has connections excited that group success could be around the corner for the undefeated runner.
Godolphin Australia’s head trainer James Cummings admitted before Saturday’s win in the Heritage Stakes at Randwick that the race may be beyond the colt, but after storming home late to win and return $6.90 at Crownbet.com.au, expectations have suddenly gone up.
Bloke next in the parade says it needs a run that one…..I suggested he was wrong, he took umbrage and huffed off. #Viridine
— Blackest (@BushKangar) September 16, 2017
In-form hoop Brenton Avdulla remained patient aboard the horse and launched a withering burst down the outside to claim the hat-trick of wins ahead of the unlucky Single Bullet, which found a gap late after being boxed in at the 200m to deliver $1.90 to Sportsbet clients while Albumin closed well ($3.40 at WilliamHill.com.au) to finish third.
Stablemate to the winner and race favourite Malahat had every possible chance to win the race but failed to close out.
Out of three Godolphin runners in the race it was Viridine that was most impressive however, and Avdulla believes the stable may have its next star in the form of the colt.
“He is (very exciting),” Avdulla said.
The gun jockey said field was as good as any other race for the day, and indicative what could be in store for Viridine.
“I thought coming into the race it was quite an exciting little race, obviously with James (Cummings) and Godolphin coming in with three runners, all with good ability and Gary Portelli’s horse looked like it tried well.”
32.83 the last 600m for Viridine there. Sectionals for race 3 Randwick pic.twitter.com/0WD1hbWeLl
— brad davidson (@braddavo) September 16, 2017
Despite the ease in which the horse won the race, the jockey admitted that it did not all go his way in the run.
“From where he jumped he didn’t give me an easy ride,” Avdulla explained.
“I ended up one out, one back but I was in a bit of trouble mid-race, he just wouldn’t come back and drop for me.
“Finally at the 600m he decided to give me a rest and switch off and sure enough when we had to get around the corner I just had to put him into the race a little bit earlier than I wanted to.
“I pushed the trigger and he put them away. He got a little bit lost in the end but he’s a nice colt going forward.”