Godolphin colt Kementari has been challenged to prove the worth of a burgeoning reputation in a dress rehearsal race for the Golden Rose.
The Lonhro three-year-old heads to Saturday’s Run To The Rose among the favoured runners though trainer James Cummings says Kementari must make a statement.
“He’s going into the race with a reputation built mainly on potential. It’s now time for us to find out what he’s made of,” Cummings said.
Kementari has not raced since he scored his maiden in May and tackles and returns after two barrier trials last month.
“He’s had a very solid grounding for his first up run,” Cummings said.
“If he’s in the mix against these horses first-up, then I’d say he’s going to improve sharply over 1400 metres second-up.”
Cummings is also still getting acquainted with another promising Godolphin colt Sanctioned, who steps out in the Group Two Stan Fox Stakes.
Sanctioned finished third in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) on August 19.
“He looks to have taken another forward step fitness-wise,” Cummings said.
“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself as far as spring targets go, but he’s going to be nominated for the majors.”