Viridine appreciates class drop at Sandown

Viridine has put aside a disappointing Melbourne Cup carnival run to win the Doveton Stakes.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Craig Williams has turned around the fortunes of Viridine with a patient ride aboard the Godolphin gelding at Sandown.

After finishing last at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup carnival, Viridine came out on Saturday to win the Listed Doveton Stakes (1000m).

Williams was able to extract Viridine ($8) away from his inside draw and bring him home with a well-timed run to score by three quarters of a length.

Outsider Mystyko ($41) was second with nine-year-old Thermal Current ($8) another three quarters of a length away third.

With trainer James Cummings absent, Godolphin spokesman Sean Keogh said Viridine relished the drop in grade.

“The last time he was back in this grade was in May at Scone,” Keogh said.

“He’s got terrific weight-for-age performances but he doesn’t leave the gate and muster speed over 1000 metres.

“Craig had that in mind and had him in a lovely spot today and close enough to finish off.”

Viridine is among Godolphin entries for the Perth summer carnival.

While Viridine holds an entry for the Group One Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on November 30, Keogh is unsure of plans for the gelding.

“I’m not sure what the boss will do after that win today,” Keogh said.

Viridine’s victory was Godolphin’s second for the afternoon after Hanseatic won the Merson Cooper Stakes for Anthony Freedman.