Brilliant win gives Kementari a second Guineas chance

Godolphin’s top Australian three-year-old Kementari stormed into the G1 Randwick Guineas calculations with a resounding victory in the G3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Warwick Farm on Saturday, 10 February.

At his first run since November, Kementari over-raced early and then had to push his way into the clear before unleashing a devastating sprint that carried him to a two-and-three-quarter-length win.

The success earned the son of Lonhro the chance to make amends for his unlucky second in the G1 Caulfield Guineas last October, where he was just caught on the line.

“He’s an absolute star, a really good colt with an amazing turn of foot,” said trainer James Cummings.

“He showed that in the spring and it’s great to see him back in this sort of form.”

Kementari had established himself as one of the best of Godolphin’s younger brigade in 2017, winning a late-season two-year-old race before reaching his peak in the Caulfield Guineas.

Having the first start of his latest preparation at a 1,200 trip that will ultimately be short of his best, he overcame the well-credentialed Seige Of Quebec with ease.

Cummings said Kementari would have one more start before next month’s Randwick Classic. “His next run will be in the Hobartville Stakes and then to the Guineas,” he said.

Kementari became his sire’s 71st Stakes winner and joins an illustrious list of Black Type winners from the family of his dam Yavanna, that includes the filly So Gorgeous, winner of five Stakes races in Australia.

So Gorgeous has herself produced two Stakes performers including G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner Sterling City.