Luca Cumani could retrace the steps he first made almost 30 years ago and send Afsare across the Atlantic for next month’s Arlington Million after the gelding ended a losing streak at Sandown.
Cumani has long been a pioneer of racing overseas and the victory of Tolomeo in the third running of the valuable American turf race back in 1983 was one of his earliest major victories.
The trainer has also come close to winning the Melbourne Cup with Bauer a close second to View in 2997.
The last win for Afsare came in the 2011 Hampton Court Stakes but the 2-1 favourite had finished second to Crackerjack King in an Italian Group One at his previous run and was driven home by Kieren Fallon 2-1/4 lengths clear of Songcraft.
“All went to plan,” Cumani’s wife, Sara, said.
“He’s a frustrating horse because he’s very good at home and he’s a good-looking horse, but it’s taken a while for him to win.
“Luca is delighted, and the Arlington Million is a target.”
