Godolphin looking for back-to-back Black Opal Stakes wins

The talented two-year-olds Pin Sec (Jason Collett) and Bivouac (Blake Shinn) will be out to give Godolphin and trainer James Cummings their second G3 Black Opal Stakes in as many years in Canberra on Sunday, 10 March.

Godolphin took out NSW’s richest regional two-year-old race in 2018 with Encryption, who runs in Saturday’s G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington. Godolphin also had Black Opal success with his star filly Epaulette in 2012.

Both Pin Sec, who is first-up, and Bivouac go into the race as last-start winners and with favourable barriers to back up their form, they rate among the best chances.

“Pin Sec returns from a promising midweek win in December as a better filly,” Cummings said.

Bivouac is also entered for a Golden Slipper lead-up at Randwick on Saturday and is rated a strong chance either there or in the Black Opal.

“He’s continued to go ahead since showing vast improvement second-up, and there appears to be nothing wrong with his form,” the trainer said.

Godolphin and Cummings will also double-handed in the Listed Canberra Cup with Morton’s Fork  (Blake Shinn) and Allergic (Glyn Schofield), both of who should be near the peak after two runs from a spell.

At his most recent appearance, Morton’s Fork finished a close fifth behind Seaway at Rosehill while Allergic ran an even race last start when seventh to Red Cardinal in the Listed Parramatta Cup, also at Rosehill.

In the Listed National Sprint, Godolphin hopes rest with Flow who won’t be assisted by his barrier draw one from the outside in the 14-runner field.