Kementari in perfect shape ahead of G1 Randwick Guineas

The opportunity to join the elite of Australian racing awaits Kementari when he takes on Saturday’s G1 Randwick Guineas at Randwick.

In a race that also offers the prospect of revenge for his narrow defeat last spring in the G1 Caulfield Guineas, Kementari (Glyn Schofield) is clearly rated as the leading prospect among a high-class field of three-year-olds.

The son of Lonhro could hardly have been more impressive than he has been in two outstanding victories leading up to his latest challenge.

A month ago, he resumed with a stunning win in the G3 Eskimo Prince Stakes with those behind him including Siege Of Quebec, who he meets in the Guineas.

Kementari then stepped up to the G2 Hobartville Stakes where he met a stronger field and was even more impressive, exploding clear in the final 200m to win, untouched, by a length.

His opposition that day included the Queensland three-year-old Pierata, winner of the $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Classic, who finished second, the up-and-coming D’Argento and G1 Victoria Derby winner Ace High.

On Saturday he meets all of them again, plus the G1 Golden Rose winner Trapeze Artist and the New Zealand G1 winner Age Of Fire.

For trainer James Cummings, Kementari’s preparation and his condition coming into the Guineas could hardly be better.

“He couldn’t have been more impressive than he was in his first two runs this time in and we feel like he has continued to sail ahead since the Hobartville,” Cummings said.

“The 1,600m is going to be perfect for him and I feel as though he deserves to be one of the big chances. He’ll certainly be one of the picks of the yard when he walks in.”

“He’s in the best shape we can get him.”