CYLINDER’S CHALLENGE

CYLINDER was able to dethrone Imperatriz in the Newmarket Handicap but faces a challenge at another level taking her on at weight-for-age in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes at The Valley on Saturday according to his trainer James Cummings.

“He can win, but there’s no doubt Imperatriz is such a dominant weight-for-age horse,” Cummings conceded on SEN.

Cummings said he liked to challenge his good colts in the past and this was another case of him doing that.

“Cylinder is going to be equally challenged now he’s an impressive Newmarket winner.”

“Back at weight-for-age, we’ll see if he can go to that next level. Sunlight won this race after her lightweight win against Osborne Bulls.”

Cummings said barrier one could work for Cylinder.

“The inside barrier is interesting because you run the risk of being held up at Moonee Valley.”

“But equally we’ve lost races because we’ve had to over too much ground out wide and the race has gotten away from us.”

“Cylinder is going to be in the firing line and he hasn’t taken a step back since the Newmarket.”

“He looked fantastic when I saw him with my own eyes on Tuesday morning, worked beautifully at Flemington.”

“There’s no issue from our perspective that Cylinder isn’t about to go forward and improve on his rating.”

Imperatriz is $1.55 favourite with PlayUp and Cylinder is $5.50.