Cylinder (Image: Bradley Photos)
On a weekend where six-cylinder Formula One cars tear their way around Albert Park in the Australian Grand Prix, Godolphin head trainer James Cummings hopes a singular Cylinder of his own can do the same around Moonee Valley.
The gun colt who won the Newmarket Handicap at his most recent start faces another tough test on Saturday when he contests the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at weight-for-age level.
Cummings and Godolphin have never been afraid to test their gallopers in the deep end and this weekend is no different.
"He can win, but there's no doubt Imperatriz is such a dominant weight-for-age horse," Cummings said.
"We like to challenge our good colts, we've not been shy to challenge them in the past.
"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."
Beau Mertens gets a rare opportunity to ride for Godolphin having only just returned from a stint on the sidelines following a horror fall at Stony Creek.
Mertens and Cylinder will jump from barrier one with pros and cons to the draw, according to Cummings.
"The inside barrier is interesting because you run the risk of being held up at Moonee Valley," he said.
"But equally we've lost races because we've had to cover 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."