Cummings pins hopes on Pericles for G2 Ajax Stakes

A terrific second-up record, a liking for the Rosehill Gardens track and a drop in grade give Godolphin headtrainer James Cummingsoptimism that Pericles can return to best form in Saturday's G2 Ajax Stakes over 1,500m.

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Runner-up in the G1 Doncaster Mile two months ago and a winner of the Listed Five Diamonds at Rosehill last November, Pericles appeared slightly disappointing when eighth to Mr Brightside in the G1 Futurity Stakes 1,400m at Caulfield three weeks ago when resuming from a spell.

Cummings decided to return the five-year-old to Agnes Banks and picked the Ajax Stakes as his first Sydney autumn carnival mission.

A three-time winner, with two placings second-up, Pericles has pleased Cummings in training and, although burdened with 59kg under the quality handicap conditions, is expected to run well.

"I think he can bounce back, but one thing I can draw your attention to is that he has an Olympic second-up record," the trainer said.