Williams backing Cummings expertise

JOCKEY Craig Williams is banking on the grandson of an Australian racing legend to give him another Group 1 winner at Flemington.

Williams partners Hartnell in tomorrow’s Australian Cup at Flemington for James Cummings whose grandfather, Bart Cummings, won the race a record 13 times.

The champion jockey expects Godolphin to have Hartnell at his peak as he strives for a second Group 1 win in three rides on the gelding.

“James is the grandson of Bart Cummings and he was always able to peak his horses on the day, and this has always been Hartnell’s target race,” Williams said.

“Hopefully those genes shine through.”

While Williams ideally would like to see the track with a little cushion for Hartnell, he’s confident if the gelding brings his A-game he’ll be hard to beat.

With fine weather forecast that wish may be beyond Williams’ hopes, but the jockey points out Hartnell’s dry track statistics are good.

After winning first-up in the CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield on February 10, Hartnell was a last-start third at that track in the Peter Young Stakes two weeks later.

“There’s no doubt Flemington will be more to his liking but he still has to turn the tables on Gailo Chop and Single Gaze,” Williams said.

“James has had two weeks to work with him and I’m looking forward to seeing how he comes into the race on Saturday.

“He’s drawn well to get a nice run and if he runs to his best he’s the horse they have to beat.”