Written by Paul Vettise
A united Godolphin approach was the key to getting the very best out of Encryption (Lonhro) at Flemington on Saturday. The colt produced a career-best performance to down his age group rivals in Saturday’s G2 Danehill S.
The regally-bred 3-year-old didn’t need to be asked twice by rider Craig Williams to take a late gap and charge through to double his winning tally.
“He’s a really cool horse with a wonderful nature about him,” trainer James Cummings said. “The whole team have put a lot of work into him and it was impressive to see him burst out of the pack. “He enjoys being ridden quietly and he’s in great shape.”
“He’s a really cool horse with a wonderful nature about him.” - James Cummings said.
A round table discussion at headquarters next week will determine the immediate future of Encryption, who broke his maiden last season when successful in the G3 Black Opal S., at Canberra.
“We put the blinkers on and agreed that if he went well we would give strong consideration to freshen him for the Coolmore,” Cummings said.
“We’ll sit down on Monday with the team and plot the right path. He’s a colt with a good turn of foot and hopefully there’s more to come.”
“He’s a colt with a good turn of foot and hopefully there’s more to come.” – James Cummings.
Encryption was ridden by Craig Williams, who partnered him in his resuming run for fifth in the G3 McNeil S., and they settled in behind the leading pack.
When clear air opened up in the final 100 metres, Williams pressed the button and his charge willingly hit top gear to account for Thorondor (Fastnet Rock).
“It’s a great job done by Godolphin and now they can choose whether to go to 1400 metres, winning over 1200 metres like he did gives them all the options,” he said.
Thorondor's trainer Robbie Laing thought his colt was home at the clocktower. "He didn't have a lot of room down the outside fence, but I was confident when he was half a length clear, " he said. "He'll go to the Guineas Prelude and then decide if we run in the Guineas or freshen uo for the Coolmore."
Pedigree Notes
It’s little wonder that Encryption has been able to make his mark in Group company with his family background.
He is the first foal of the former crack filly Guelph (Exceed And Excel), who won seven races including the Thousand Guineas, Flight S., Champagne S., and the ATC Sires’ Produce S., at Group One level.
Guelph is a daughter of Camarilla (Elusive Quality {USA}), who also landed the G1 ATC Sires’ Produce S., and is a sister to Induna who won the Listed Geelong Classic and finished runner-up in the G1 VRC Derby. Their mother Camarena (NZ) (Danehill {USA}) has a G1 Queensland Derby victory on her CV.
Encryption is the first foal of Guelph, pictured here winning the Group 1 Flight Stakes
