Godolphin's impressive import Avilius (GB) made it two wins from as many starts in Australia following a fast-finishing win in Saturday's Group III Premier's Cup (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Travelling midfield in the run, Glyn Schofield had to bide his time in finding some clear air on Avilius but when he did he charged home to defeat I Am Serious (Choisir) by a neck with Testashadow a further two and three-quarter lengths back in third.(photo Steve Hart)
"He's an exciting horse," winning trainer James Cummings said.
"He had to step up to run out a strong 1900 metres, particularly on a soft track today.
"He's a really laid back horse but he was class the moment he arrived at Osborne Park. Of our imported horses he really looked the part.
The guys at Northwood Park when he first got off the plane in Victoria liked him too. And why wouldn't you?
He's got great form. He's multiple Group II placed in France.
He's an exciting horse going forward whether it's the Kingston Town or Newcastle Cup next we'll just wait and see how quickly he recovers and how far he wants to go next.
We will nominate him for The Metropolitan and it may be worth putting a nomination in for the Caulfield Cup."
The son of Pivotal made a winning Australian debut over 1600 metres at Randwick on August 4. That was his first start since finishing sixth in the Group II Prix Dollar (2000m) at Chantilly in September last year. That followed a brave second to the outstanding Frankel colt Cracksman in the Prix Niel over 2400 metres on the same track earlier that month.
Previously-trained by Andre Fabre, Avilius (GB) won a 2400m maiden at Chantilly and the Listed Prix de Suresnes (2000m) at Maisons-Laffitte last April. He also owns placing in the Group II Prix Eugene Adam and the Group II Prix Guillaume d'Ornano.
He landed in Australia in April and was gelded before being sent to continue his career under James Cummings.
A brother to Group II Prix Guillaume d'Ornano winner Saint Baudolino, Avilius is out of the winning Sunday Silence mare Alessandria whose dam Tereshkova (Mr Prospector) is a sister to Group 1 Middle Park Stakes winner and one season shuttler Lycius (USA).
