Brilliant Light gets closer to Doncaster

Lightly-raced four-year-old Brilliant Light took a major step towards a start in the Doncaster Mile when he outlasted Centennial Park in a photo-finish to the Ajax Stakes at Rosehill.The short half-head win in the 1500m Group Two race puts the gelding in line for a penalty in the Doncaster for which he is currently equal 61st in order of entry with 51kg and a benchmark rating of 86.Trainer Kerry Parker was not sure he had lasted to win the Ajax and was a relieved man when the result was posted."

Lightly-raced four-year-old Brilliant Light took a major step towards a start in the Doncaster Mile when he outlasted Centennial Park in a photo-finish to the Ajax Stakes at Rosehill.

The short half-head win in the 1500m Group Two race puts the gelding in line for a penalty in the Doncaster for which he is currently equal 61st in order of entry with 51kg and a benchmark rating of 86.

Trainer Kerry Parker was not sure he had lasted to win the Ajax and was a relieved man when the result was posted.

"Hopefully now he can get a penalty," Parker said.

"He had a low benchmark before the race but he's beaten some good horses so it should lift.

"I've always had a big opinion of him and he is maturing at the right time."

Brilliant Light was the subject of an early betting plunge on the Doncaster from $401 to $151.

He is now a $35 chance with TAB Sportsbet.

Jay Ford was aboard Brilliant Light ($5) and will be his partner if he makes the Doncaster.

Mentality ($31) went out hard in the Ajax and did well to hold on for third.

Epsom Handicap winner Rock Kingdom started the $2.90 favourite but never threatened and finished sixth, 4-1/4 lengths from the winner.

"He raced like a horse who put up the white flag before the turn," jockey Nash Rawiller told stewards.

Trainer David Payne said Centennial Park ($5) would not race again before the Doncaster on April 17.

"He may not get in and we will just wait it out and see," he said.

"He won't race again before the Doncaster."

The last chance to cement a berth is the Listed Royal Parma Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 10 with the winner exempt from a ballot and penalty on the Doncaster.