Viridine poised for black-type debut

Godolphin colt Viridine has been challenged to make the step up to black-type racing at Randwick and preserve his unbeaten record when his spring campaign gets underway.

The three-year-old has previously handled Saturday class racing with back-to-back wins at Rosehill in May, but Godolphin head trainer James Cummings admitted the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) shapes as a tough ask.

“He has the opportunity to take it to another level. He looks a little bit soft but it’s only 1100 here and he could be running a big race,” Cummings said.

Viridine’s quest for three successive wins as a $6 chance with the TAB is under threat from stablemates Malahat, the $3.20 favourite, and Marsupial ($3.50).

Cummings doubted Malahat would be troubled by stepping back in trip following his last-start success in a Benchmark 74 Handicap (1200m).

“That shouldn’t present any problems because he’s got plenty of natural speed about him,” he said.

Marsupial resumed with an impressive second in a Benchmark 78 Handicap at Rosehill on August 26, against more seasoned rivals.

Cummings thought Allergic ($23) would appreciate not having to follow Winx home for a third successive race when he lined up in the Group Three Kingston Town Stakes (2000m).

“I think he’s building to something and I think he’ll finish a lot closer,” he said.

Fillies Alizee ($6) and Regimen ($15) represent the stable in the Group Two Tea Rose Stakes (1400m).

“Alizee was only beaten a half-length in the Furious Stakes last start and we’re trying her over 1400 here,” Cummings said.

“We’re yet to be convinced that she’ll run it out strongly, but in her training at home she’s giving the indication she will.”

Regimen makes her black-type debut after two wins and an unlucky last-start second at Canterbury over 1200m last month.