Brave bid for redemption
TWO years after an Australian debut defeat that still rankles James Cummings, Godolphin veteran Home Of The Brave will be given the chance to parade his straight-course talents at Flemington on Saturday.
Home Of The Brave, the $4.40 second favourite in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) behind Great Again ($4), was runner-up in the winter feature sprint in 2018.
And Cummings hasn’t forgotten the desolation of filling the runner-up stall behind Voodoo Lad, then in the hands of disqualified trainer Darren Weir.
“He’s fresh and fiery after an honest winter campaign and will be sharp going into a race in which he made his Australian debut two years ago,” Cummings said.
“We’re looking at this race as an opportunity to make amends for the one that got away.
“In my entire arsenal, this horse is probably my best straight-track performer.
“We are sending him to Melbourne to take advantage of that.
“If he shows the form I expect to see here, we will try to pick the eyes out of the straight-track races at Flemington over the spring.”
Home Of The Brave most recently appeared at Headquarters in the Listed Straight Six, finishing third to Lindsey Smith’s Great Again when conceding the winner 5kg.
Home Of The Brave will meet Great Again 2kg worse off on Saturday.
Last year’s winner So Si Bon ($9) returns for Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes, while Widgee Turf ($6) also resumes for Patrick Payne.
Other recent winners of the Aurie’s Star include Group 1 victors Hey Doc and Tiger Tees.