He took out the inaugural running of The Hunter in 2019 with Street Cry mare Savatiano, and Godolphin’s James Cummings will be looking to repeat the dose when he saddles up three genuine chances in this weekend’s edition at Newcastle.
The race includes Group 1 winners Apache Chase and In The Congo, with the capacity field of 16 already amassing over $18 million in earnings between them.
Speaking with Sky Racing’s Greg Prichard, stable representative Darren Beadman is happy with all of his three chargers heading into the $1 million feature.
“Three really nice racehorses, all very fit going into the race which is going to be an asset for them,” Beadman said.
First cab off the rank is their Hallowed Crown entire Vilana, who is looking to bounce back following a tough run in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill a fortnight ago. Nash Rawiller, who has been in the irons for both runs this time in, retains the ride.
“Vilana won first-up in the Silver Eagle, won convincingly. Then the other day in the Golden Eagle he just drew off the track, went back and had a wide run no fault of the rider,” Beadman said.
“That day I just felt the ground might have been a little bit firm. He didn’t quite let down as good as he did in the Silver Eagle, so a bit of moisture around would help.
“If you took his win in the Silver Eagle into this you’d be saying he’s in the first three. There was genuine excuses last time.”
After failing in a strong Everest at the latest effort, stablemate Ingratiating is another looking to return to form. Sam Clipperton gets the steer from a favourable draw in gate four.
“He ran in The Everest and had good form in Melbourne prior to that,” Beadman said.
“The Everest run did take a little bit out of him. He didn’t back up too quick after it, so they’ve given him a little time to get over the run.
“He trialed really nicely the other day at Warwick Farm, so he’s in a very good headspace which is encouraging to see.”
The last of the Godolphin runners is Gravina, who scraped into the field as the 16th acceptor. He draws the inside alley for hoop Kerrin Mcevoy, on the back of some handy performances down south.
“Two starts ago he won nicely at Caulfield, and I didn’t really think he handled the straight all that well (at Flemington last time out),” Beadman said.
“He will appreciate going around a corner, so they’ve all got a good chance in the race.”
As of Thursday afternoon the track was rated a Good 4, with the first race set to kick off at 12.20pm.
