Impending carries Godolphin G1 hopes in Brisbane

The opportunity to claim a well-deserved G1 success has been delivered to Impending in the Kingsford Smith Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday, May 27.

Already a G2 winner against his own age, the three-year-old son of Lonhro has been close-up in each of his three runs at the top level, the latest when fourth in the G1 Canterbury Stakes two months ago.

“It’s a tough race but he’s done extremely well,” said trainer Darren Beadman.

“He’s up against older horses, but he’s drawn the inside gate and he’s come through a couple of recent trials in good order.

“He couldn’t be any better than he is at this stage of his preparation.

On a day when Beadman will saddle as many as six Godolphin runners in Stakes races at the Brisbane track, Impending (James Doyle), along with Tessera (James Doyle) who runs in the G3 Fred Best Classic.

Beadman was glowing in his praise for the three-year-old who is joined in the race by stablemate Morton’s Fork.

“Tessera’s last run was excellent at the Gold Coast and he’s continued to go ahead in leaps and bounds.”

“Since he’s been gelded he’s really turned into a racehorse. He’s right on song.”

Doyle also has the mount on Malahat in the G2 QTC Sires Produce Stakes in which the pair have drawn barrier 16.

“It’s an horrific draw, but he’s got natural gate speed which should let him get into the first six settling down,” Beadman said.

“I think he’s up to this class and he’s done extremely well since his last win which was pretty impressive.”

Another strong Eagle Farm prospect appears in the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup where Duca Valentinois (James Doyle) backs up from his impressive Scone Cup win of two weeks ago.

“He’s drawn a slightly tricky gate (7), but he’s in great form,” Beadman said.

“The main thing with him is that he needs a little bit of cover to help him switch off, but if he runs up to his last start performance he’ll be hard to beat.”

The Brisbane team is completed by Raiment (James Doyle) in the G3 Glenlogan Park Stud Stakes.

Beadman said the filly had held her form well since her last-start Sydney win, but the team is concerned about her wide gate and may wait for another race a week later.