James Cummings is convinced Avilius could have featured in the Winx Stakes had he run, but the Godolphin trainer is equally content with the decision to delay his return.
The multiple Group One winner has opened a $3.50 TAB fixed odds favourite for his campaign launch in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Avilius was scratched from the Winx Stakes two weeks ago as the Godolphin team felt the backmarker faced a tough task from a wide draw.
In the end, the race was run at a genuine tempo, setting it up for Verry Elleegant to come from the back with a sweeping run around the field to score.
“It’s a funny thing, it would have suited him in the end with the backmarkers coming home,” Cummings said.
“But the Chelmsford will just have a little bit of the edge off (him) compared to the Winx.
“I’ve loved his campaign when I’ve run him first up over a mile.”
