Cummings set to unleash trio for Hunter
GODOLPHIN trainer James Cummings is not resting on his laurels after a sensational spring carnival, chasing more big-race success with Ingratiating, Vilana and Gravina leading the stable charge for the $1m The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle on Saturday.
Cummings, who is pursuing a second win in The Hunter after his success with Savatiano three years ago, said Ingratiating and Vilana had been deliberately aimed at the rich provincial sprint.
“Ingratiating won first-up then ran second in the Schillaci Stakes before we threw him into the deep end for The Everest,’’ Cummings said.
“Vilana also won first-up in the Silver Eagle then drew a wide barrier in the Golden Eagle.
“But both have been freshened since and I think a race like The Hunter at Newcastle will suit them.’’
Gravina, who has been racing well in Melbourne, may give Godolphin a threepronged attack on the Newcastle race, which has attracted a bumper 38 entries.
Cummings finished the spring as the nation’s leading Group 1 trainer with six majors including superstar Anamoe’s quarter of big-race wins culminating with the Cox Plate, and outstanding three-yearolds In Secret (Coolmore Stud Stakes) and Golden Mile (Caulfield Guineas).
Anamoe could not quite complete his carnival clean sweep, finishing fourth to Zaaki in the Champions Stakes at Flemington last Saturday.
“I think, for us, the races weren’t run to suit,’’ Cummings said.
“There was no pressure in the mile race and no pressure in the mile-and-quarter race. Alligator Blood and Zaaki are two top horses and if riders are going to hand up to them and give them an easy time in the lead, they are going to be formidable opposition, as they proved to be on the weekend.
“Our horses ran out of placings after settling many lengths off the lead. It was a 9m rail and a firm deck at Flemington – you have to live with it and adjust accordingly.’’
Godolphin is considering sending Anamoe overseas to race in Dubai and at Royal Ascot next year.
But for now, Cummings wants to “let the dust settle” after the four-year-old’s outstanding spring preparation.