The addition of blinkers on Encryption resulted in an immediate result with the colt scoring a stunning win in the Group 2 $200,000 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington today.

Encryption, above in royal blue colours, wins the Danehill Stakes at Flemington. Photo by  Ultimate Racing Photos..

Encryption, above in royal blue colours, wins the Danehill Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos..

The James Cummings trained Encryption was coming off an ordinary last start fifth in the Group 3 $150,000 H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 1 but quickly turned that form around wearing the blinkers today.

Winning jockey Craig Williams was held up behind the leaders when the entire field bunched up on the grandstand side fence but was able to find a gap at the 100m and Encryption ($20) burst through to score a neck win over Thorondor ($21) with Tavisan ($12) a length back in third place.

“I was really impressed to see him burst out of the pack,” Cummings said.

“It was creative how he got there. He has been enjoying being ridden a bit patient this preparation and it has really paid dividends today.”

Cummings will absorb Encryption’s return to form and with the Godolphin Team will decide if they stick to the sprints and come back to Flemington for the Group 1 $1m Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on November 3 or head to Caulfield for the Group 1 $2m Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 13.

“We put the blinkers on and agreed that if he went that well up the straight he would have a strong consideration in keeping him fresh for the Coolmore,” Cummings said.

“But we will sit down with the Team on Monday and we will have a good meeting about it as we always do with our horse and will plot the right path with him.”

“This is a time honouerd race to win, he is a colt with a really good turn of foot. He has got speed, a wonderful nature which allows him to keep improving as his prep unfolds and hopefully there is that little bit more improvement left to come.”

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.