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Encryption at his peak for Flemington G1

Mike Hedge

A daring ride was matched by a classy performance when Encryption won the G2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington last month.

On Saturday, an even fitter three-year-old colt tackles the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes over the same 1,200m course with the confidence of his trainer matched by that of his jockey.

“I loved his Danehill win,” said trainer James Cummings.

“He wasn’t at his peak that day and he’s really been flying since then. He’s ready to peak, he’s going to run a big race.”

For jockey Craig Williams, confidence is never in short supply, and Saturday is no exception.

“We had to overcome a bad gate in the Danehill, but he did it with style,” Williams said.

“Saturday’s draw is no worse than the Danehill, and he’s run a great race against older horses since then.”

“I couldn’t be happier, he’s an exceptional colt.”

Cummings is also relying on history in his assessment of the Coolmore.

“He has a win up the straight in the Danehill to his credit and horses who can win that race always run well in the Coolmore,” he said.

In his only appearance since winning at Flemington a month ago, Encryption finished second to the colt Written By in the G3 Blue Sapphire at Caulfield.

Cummings regards Written By as one of the best local sprinters in training.  

“It’s the best form available and Encryption will come to this in the best shape of his life.”

“He might have to be a bit closer than he’d like to be. But he’s capable of reeling off a good finish.”

The Coolmore brings together a selection of Australia’s best three-year-old sprinters, including Zousain whose last start second to The Autumn Sun was full of merit, and Diplomatico who has won at his only two starts this time in.