Weight swing against Cylinder in latest battle against Imperatriz in Group 1 William Reid Stakes
Godolphin has found a new jockey for Cylinder but the task confronting the colt in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes remains.
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Godolphin solved its jockey issue but the problem repeating Cylinder’s last-start triumph remains in Saturday’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes at The Valley.
Godolphin booked Beau Mertens to replace Newmarket Handicap-winning jockey Jamie Kah, who will be in Sydney to ride Hayasugi in the Golden Slipper.
Mertens has the job of steering Cylinder to another win over Kiwi star Imperatriz.
Cylinder had the benefit of a 6.5kg weight advantage when prevailing in the Newmarket Handicap but only half a kilogram will separate the pair at weight-for-age on Saturday.
However, Godolphin’s Melbourne representative Nacim Dilmi, said the James Cummings-trained colt has thrived since his Newmarket Handicap win.
“He goes up in weight, but he galloped at Moonee Valley, and it was pretty good. He seemed to handle the track pretty well, so overall, we’re pretty happy with him.
“He had the advantage at the handicap last start winning the Newmarket and this time it’s a little bit stronger.
“It won’t be as easy as last time but we’re very happy with our horse and he’s in great order.
“He’s definitely come on since his win and he’s improved in his work.”
Three-year-olds have won 12 of the last 30 editions of the William Reid Stakes but eight of those winners were fillies.
Sydney’s John O’Shea was the last trainer to win the William Reid Stakes with a three-year-old colt when Foxwedge claimed the feature sprint in 2012.
Fillies and mares have won four of the last six William Reid Stakes, including Imperatriz last year.
Cylinder had the better of Tuesday’s barrier draw for the $1m contest.
He will jump from barrier one while Imperatriz drew barrier 10 in the 11-horse field.
Dilmi said the presence of the Ciaron Maher-trained pair I Am Me and Bella Nipotina would ensure Cylinder got his chance on the unique track at The Valley.
“We’re actually happy now that I Am Me and Bella Nipotina are running because now we’re going to be following something that will take us somewhere,” Dilmi said.
“From barrier 10, she (Imperatriz) will be three-wide with cover and will have momentum while I think our boy has improved since his run.
“Overall, we’re pretty happy with him.”
Imperatriz is the $1.75 favourite in early betting while Cylinder is the $5 second pick.
Originally published as Weight swing against Cylinder in latest battle against Imperatriz in Group 1 William Reid Stakes
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