Headgear for 'Penglai' as Godophin duo back up in Sydney Cup re-run

Trainer Charlie Appleby has declared 'winkers' to be fitted to Penglai Pavilion in Saturday's re-run of the G1 Sydney Cup at Randwick, Sydney.

Appleby said neither Penglai Pavilion nor Polarisation had taken any harm from the experience of the void Sydney Cup on April 8, in which they both played a prominent role.

Polarisation was first past the post of the six to complete the course, while Penglai Pavilion came in third.

"Both lost a minimal amount of weight, and they ate up well afterwards," Appleby said from his Newmarket office.

"James Ferguson and the team on the ground in Sydney have been very happy with them, and we expect both to acquit themselves well on Saturday," he added.

'Winkers,' as they are known in Australia, are the equivalent of cheek pieces in Britain. Appleby said they would assist Penglai Pavilion's concentration during the race.

"It is not questioning his genuineness, it is more a matter of helping him to focus. We tried them on him a couple of days ago (at Canterbury) and he reacted favourably," the trainer reported.

Asked to choose between the two stablemates, Appleby said: "I feel the same as I did going into the original contest.

"If the 'on his game' Penglai Pavilion turns up, he has the class to go very close.

"Polarisation, on the other hand, wears his heart on his sleeve. He is tough and genuine, and he stays very well," he added

Jockey bookings for the Godolphin duo remain the same as on April 8. Kerrin McEvoy has remained loyal to Penglai Pavilion, while Corey Brown will be back on board Polarisation.