Bart would be proud as Cummings claims cup
REDEMPTION and vindication motivated trainer Edward Cummings’ pursuit of the $1.5m Group 1 Australian Cup with rising star Duais.
Since legendary grandfather Bart extended his Australian Cup record to 13 in 2008, the Flemington feature eluded Edward’s father, Anthony, and brother James.
“I came down here wanting to win the race. I wouldn’t have been here unless I thought I could win,” Cummings said after third-elect Duais ($7) stunned Think It Over ($3.10f) and Spanish Mission ($3.70).
“And I wanted to win it
because my grandfather (Bart) has won it so many times, and I wanted to win it because my dad and brother have tried recently and been unlucky.
“I thought it was about time a Cummings was on the plaque once more.”
Queensland Oaks winner Duais, who claimed the Group 3 Coongy only to fade in the Caulfield Cup, was a class above at Flemington.
With well-backed Spanish Mission leading into the straight, Duais launched her attack from near last, tracking favourite Think It Over, to blast by the pair for a soft twolength romp.
“We’re scratching the surface,” Cummings said.
“We thought we’d win. We were very confident that we just needed a fair crack at them and we got that today. She showed she’s well and truly good enough.
“She’s beaten them comfortably . . . and I think they’ll find it hard to beat her from here on in.”
Duais will return to Sydney to be aimed at the Group 1 Tancred Stakes on March 26 and potentially the rich Queen Elizabeth Stakes.