 |
|
| Dane Squance |
 |
Friday night’s Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley sees the campaign return of Godolphin’s Dawn Approach 4yo Paulele, and if successful could become the global powerhouse’s representative in the upcoming $15m Everest on October 15.
Enormously consistent – he placed in three Group 1s – Paulele was on the board nine times in stakes races last season, including wins at Group 2, Group 3 and Listed level. Ending his last campaign with consecutive Group 1 second placed performance, people seem to forget that he also finished a gallant third behind Nature Strip in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes, a performance worthy of an Everest contender.
"He's returned beautifully, and he is really flying. He's a winner of his only start at The Valley and he's got the look about him that he's ready to charge first-up like he has been every other preparation." Cummings revealed.
"We are pleased with him leading into the Moir, it looks like a race with plenty of pressure, but he'll be thereabouts and will be running a big race. He was a few lengths behind Nature Strip when placed behind him on a wet track, so it's quite possible and likely that Paulele is a better horse now than in that preparation. That was after a less-than-ideal lead-up in The Galaxy where he was never quite in the race from his wide draw on a wet track."
Winning a recent barrier trial, the 4yo has three wins from four first up runs, so connections are confident of a forward showing, and it is worth noting that last year’s trifecta of Wild Ruler, The Inferno and Trekking all tackled the Everest at their next start.
A possible contender for the $7.5m Golden Eagle, a race Godolphin has won in the past with Collette, the team have an abundance of top class runners at present including Group 1 Golden Rose favourite In Secret, who would also have claims on an Everest slot if she comes through the run on Saturday.