Godolphin team springs into action

Allergic is among a host of Godolphin horses using the Warwick Stakes meeting as a launching pad for spring campaigns.

While there are no expectations when Allergic comes up against Winx in Saturday’s Group Two feature, head trainer James Cummings is using the race as a foundation for the Group One Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on September 30.

At 1400m, the Warwick Stakes is well short of Allergic’s optimum trip as he resumes after a preparation highlighted by a last-start victory in the Listed McKell Cup in late May.

“This is a quality race and short of his best distance. At this stage we’re looking at races like The Metropolitan which he placed (third) in last year,” Cummings said.

He also expected the Group Three Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) would be too short for Sanctioned.

“This might be a little sharp for him but he’s a colt with the strength and constitution to handle a good spring preparation,” Cummings said.

Sanctioned is joined by stablemate Toga Picta who ran second to Whispered Secret in the Listed Fernhill Handicap in April.

“He’s trialled well but there are bigger fish to fry for him later in the spring,” Cummings said.

He does expect Alizee to appreciate the firm surface in the five-strong Group Two Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) for which the classy filly is favourite.

She already has black-type from her second in the Group Three Magic Night Stakes in March and resumed with a midweek win at Warwick Farm on August 2.

“She’s the only filly in the field with match fitness and she gets a wonderful opportunity on top of the ground here,” Cummings said.

Epsom Handicap-bound Spectroscope will make his comeback in the Group Three Show County Quality (1200m).

“He has natural speed. He’s fit enough to run a big race,” Cummings said.