The lure of a Magic Millions wildcard has inspired James Cummings to launch a three-pronged raid on the Falvelon Quality at Eagle Farm.
Last year’s winner Isaurian returns on Saturday to defend his title in the Falvelon, backed up by top weight Viridine and enigmatic gelding Roheryn.
The Falvelon winner can gain a wildcard exemption for the Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 16 provided it is not a graduate of a competing saleyard.
Isaurian gained a wildcard last year and subsequently finished second to the Chris Waller-trained Madam Rouge in a nail-biting finish to the Snippets.
The gelding has an unblemished first-up record winning on five out of five occasions when resuming from a spell, an achievement closely match by Roheryn.
From four first-up attempts, Roheryn has been successful each time.
“One of these guys’ first up record is going to be knocked off,” Godolphin’s travelling foreman Nacim Dilmi said.
“Isaurian is doing very well. He won the race last year and only raced twice last prep.
“He had a very good spell and his couple of trials this time in have been very pleasing and hopefully he can defend his title.”
Roheryn was spelled by Cummings after suffering from cardiac arrhythmia when he finished last of nine runners in the Bill Ritchie Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 19.
“His trial at Canterbury a couple of weeks ago was very good,” Dilmi said.
“It was only over 900 metres but he attacked the line well and he’s coming into this race in good order.”
Michael Cahill has been booked to ride Isaurian while Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michael Rodd will be aboard Roheryn.
Viridine, to be ridden by Brad Stewart, has to carry the burden of 61kg, the same impost he shouldered when a first-up third to Invictus Salute in the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on November 28.
Following the scratching of Hightail, TAB fixed odds had Viridine as a $3.60 favourite for the Falvelon with Isaurian on the second line of betting at $4.80 and Roheryn at $5.
