Anamoe has charged into Golden Slipper calculations after taking out a strong renewal of the Group 2 Todman Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
The James Cummings-trained colt flew under the radar for the key Golden Slipper leadup with pre-race attention generally focused on dominant Inglis Millennium winner Profiteer, Stay Inside and the well bred Remarque.
Anamoe is now outright fourth favourite for the $3.5million 2YO Golden Slipper at Rosehill on March 21.
ANAMOE winning the Unsw Todman Stakes at Randwick In Australia. Picture: Steve Hart
“He’s a classy colt no doubt about that,” trainer James Cummings said.
“He’s got Golden Slipper written all over him. That will take most of our attention over the next couple of weeks.”
Anamoe’s Todman Stakes victory came third run back from a spell following minor placings in the Blue Diamond Prelude and also the Blue Diamond Stakes when wide throughout but strong late behind Artorius. The stable also elected to remove Blinkers from Anamoe following the Blue Diamond.
“This horse has had a really good two weeks,” Cummings said.
“He didn’t have the most ideal week leading into the Blue Diamond or the best barrier. He’s due one again (barrier) in two weeks time. The reward for the Slipper will be enormous. He’s a natural horse with the blinkers off. He was focused and is a live chance in the Slipper.”
Anamoe was settled at the tail of the field by jockey Rachel King who saved ground turning for home. The pair moved off the fence into the clear 300m from home and let down strongly to overpower early leader Profiteer and a brave Home Affairs along the rail.
“His form in Melbourne was very strong and taking the blinkers off today meant he really relaxed in the run and did everything right,” King said.
“I ended up being able to work up nicely along the fence and just creep a little bit of ground without having to use him up too much.
“He still had a little bit of a wander around when he hit the front, he is still learning in that way, he’s a bit immature mentally.
“But it’s exciting, he’s got that little bit of improvement to come.”
“I think we have a really exciting horse.”
Despite their defeats to Anamoe, Profiteer ($5.00) and Stay Inside ($6.00) remain at the top of betting for the Group 1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill on March 21.
Profiteer’s rider Hugh Bowman labelled the colt’s second a “superb effort” while James McDonald was satisfied with how Stay Inside closed after settling towards the rear of the field and being held up in the straight.
“I was wrapped with him,” McDonald said.
“He’s obviously a very adaptable horse on fast ground, he got back a bit far. He’s gone super.”
Written by Alex Steedman
