Godolphin finds new Slipper weapon in Opal

Trainer James Cummings and Godolphin have another star 2yo in Black Opal winner Pin Sec.

Godolphin’s formidable arsenal of two-year-olds has gained another potential Golden Slipper weapon after Pin Sec scored a commanding victory in the Group Three Black Opal Stakes.

The filly won Canberra’s juvenile feature on Sunday, coasting to a four-length win over the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Rome ($2.80 fav) who put 1-1/2 lengths on stablemate McLaren ($3.60).

Trainer James Cummings’ representative Darren Beadman said Pin Sec reminded him of her sire Lonhro, the champion on whom he won 10 Group One races.

“She looks a lot like him. She’s a lovely strong, progressive filly,” Beadman said.

“Once she was able to get that open space from about the 500 metres onwards she really kicked into gear and won with a lot of authority.”

The Cummings stable has an embarrassment of riches ahead of the $3.5 million Slipper at Rosehill on March 23.

Tenley rocketed to Golden Slipper joint $6 favouritism after winning the Group Two Riesling Stakes on Saturday, replacing injured stablemate Tassort at the top of betting for the world’s richest two-year-old race.

Microphone sits on the second line at $8, ahead of Magic Millions winner Exhilarates at $11.

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The Anthony Freedman-trained Blue Diamond winner Lyre ($11) has also been confirmed as a Slipper runner for Godolphin giving the global powerhouse a fearsome team.

Pin Sec is a $21 hope.

“You won’t be able to count them on one hand anyway,” Beadman said.

He said Cummings, Godolphin’s head trainer in Australia, was reaping rewards of a major team effort.

“James has really got his head around the two-year-olds. They’re all just well-placed and hitting the mark at the right time.”

Pin Sec’s jockey Jason Collett said once he got the filly to settle, his confidence grew.

‘She’s a lovely little filly. She’s still got a bit of growing up to do, but that was pretty easy,” Collett said.

Cummings is expected to decide riders for his Slipper runners this week, as the race continues to take shape with the Chris Waller-trained Yes Yes Yes the equal top pick.