Godolphin claims Spring Stakes quinella

Godolphin has unearthed a potential Classic contender in Aramayo who showed a superior turn of foot to claim the Spring Stakes at Newcastle, leading in a stable quinella.

Winning jockey Tye Angland predicted a bright campaign for the colt who settled off the speed in Friday’s 1600-metre race before producing a big finish to run down stablemate Cloak.

“We had a soft run early. The middle stages of the race we ended up a little wider than what we wanted to but he actually towed me into the race and he was able to show a nice turn of foot,” Angland said.

“They had Astoria win the race last year and he went on. I think he’ll probably follow his path from last year.”

Astoria, also ridden in the Spring Stakes by Angland, went on to finish fifth in the Spring Champion Stakes and third in the Victoria Derby.

Angland has no doubt Aramayo also has staying potential.

“Ground won’t worry him at all. I think you can tell by the way he won, covering ground,” he said.

“He’s quite an exciting little horse.”

Darren Beadman, representing Godolphin, confirmed next month’s Spring Champion Stakes was among trainer James Cummings’ options for Aramayo who started $6 favourite.

He was also taken with the performance of Cloak ($26) who led and fought strongly to beat all but his stablemate.

“Two lovely runs and now they’ve got a good spring carnival ahead of them,” Beadman said.

“James said before the race that if he (Aramayo) happens to run well or win he’ll probably give him a little bit of time and probably go Spring Champion Stakes or the Dulcify.”

Glyn Schofield had to settle for second on Cloak but he was in the winner’s circle a race later when Princess Posh took out the Tibbie Stakes (1400m).

It was a popular win for leading local trainer Kris Lees who praised Schofield’s ride and said Princess Posh had done a great job across a long campaign.

“She keeps turning up and it’s great to win stakes races with her,” Lees said.