Godolphin trainer James Cummings is expecting the big, flat track at Flemington to suit Pericles when he lines up in the Victoria Derby.
Pericles will be having only his fourth race start when he fronts up for the gruelling 2500m trip in Saturday’s Group 1 contest for three-year-olds.
That is in stark contrast to Prized Icon who was having his 13th start when successful in the 2016 Derby.
Pericles did not start racing until September, winning on debut over 1400m at Newcastle before running second, again over 1400m at Randwick, on heavy ground on October 8.
Cummings switched Pericles to Melbourne to contest the Group 3 The Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley last Saturday in which he finished third to fellow Derby contender Berkeley Square.
“He looks a really interesting, natural stayer who is going to be a big threat to the favoured runners,” Cummings said.
“The horse has been gearing up for middle-distance staying races for a couple of months. He’s got a big pedigree, a beautiful staying physique and for all the work I’ve thrown at him, he’s just taken it easily.
“We have been pleased with the horse, with the way he pulled up from The Valley after his excellent third in the Vase where he hit the front a long way out and was just a little vulnerable late against horses with galvanised form lines in races like the Guineas and Stutt Stakes.”
Cummings has not had to do a lot with Pericles after his tough performance last week.
And the trainer, who has won three Group 1 races during the Melbourne Spring Carnival so far this year, believes there is more Pericles can deliver this spring.
“The horse is continuing to spiral upwards in his ratings towards the Derby,” Cummings said.
“He’s only having his fourth start in the Derby, but he’s going into it off a personal best. You’d like to think we haven’t seen the ceiling for this horse yet, so he’s got something a little untapped about him.”
“Also, running on a big, flat open track at Flemington will suit him perfectly.”
Pericles will be ridden by William Buick, the recently crowned Champion jockey in the UK for season 2022, who is no stranger to success at Flemington.
