Main factor behind Eskimo plunge on Paulele

The money hasn’t stopped coming for Eskimo Prince Stakes favourite Paulele. Picture: Getty Images

Paulele, the plunge horse with punters, can preserve his perfect track record in the Group 3 $160,000 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The brilliant Godolphin three-year-old has won each of his four starts at the famous track including two over the 1200m course.

Punters have identified Paulele is partial to Randwick and bets have poured in for the young sprinter since the release of the final field and barrier draw on Wednesday.

TAB fixed odds went up $4.20 with Paulele midweek but the James Cummings-trained colt has been backed into $2.30 – and the money continues to come for the Godolphin flyer.

Some of the big bets on Paulele include $2000 at $3.40, a series of $500 bets at $3.40, $3.30, $3.20, $3, $2,90, $2.80, $2.70 and $2.40, $1500 at $3.10, $2000 at $2.40, $1427 at $2.40 and $1000 at $2.40.

“Punters have come for Paulele with 70 per cent of the early money coming for him,’’ TAB’s Andrew Georgiou said.

There are many reasons to like Paulele in the Eskimo Prince Stakes, not the least his unbeaten Randwick record.

He is also proven first-up, handles a soft track, and is drawn to get every chance from barrier five.

Cummings was also taken by Paulele’s recent barrier trial effort when fourth to Malkovich at Randwick last week.

“There were good horses in his trial and he was out there to take improvement from it, which he did. He’s come right on from then,’’ Cummings said.

“It was a good, solid hitout to be ready for a solid six furlongs (1200m) first-up. He’ll get the opportunity to build on an already enviable Randwick record.”

Two-year-old Plymstock winning on debut at Randwick last month. Picture: Getty Images

Cummings has an opportunity to lead in a stakes race double with promising two-year-olds Spacewalk and Plymstock contesting the Listed $140,000 Darley Lonhro Plate (1100m).

This race has special meaning for Godolphin as former champion racehorse and super sire Lonhro stands at their Darley Stud.

Godolphin has already won the Lonhro Plate with Bivouac (2019), Veranillo (2017), Telperion (2016) and Haptic (2015).

Cummings can’t split Plymstock and Spacewalk and neither can the bookies with both youngsters rated at $5.50 as Godolphin tries to secure a fifth win in the feature two-year-old race.

Spacewalk had no luck at his only start when fifth in the Breeders Plate last spring while Plymstock won on debut at Randwick last month.

“Plymstock’s very well-bred, (being) a half-sister to Trekking who, of course, won his first start in Sydney, ran in a Golden Slipper and is a multiple Group 1 winner now for Godolphin,’’ Cummings said.
“She’s a fast-running type of filly and we had no doubt targeting a Saturday race for her first-up.”

“It looks like she gets another good chance to build on her record coming up against a horse like Lady Laguna who has already done a fair bit. It will be interesting to see if she can go to the next level now that the pressure is starting to build.”

Cummings described Spacewalk as “one of our strongest two-year-olds.”

“He should get a more economical run than in the Breeders Plate last year given he’s drawn barrier two in this race,’’ the trainer said.

“We liked the way he was able to tough his way through a wide run in his barrier trial. He’s tightened up nicely from that. He’s an interesting colt.

“You might see him parade above himself, but there’ll be natural improvement because he’s got a bit of natural talent.”