James Cummings is bullish about the spring prospects of Doncaster Mile winner Cascadian, who makes his seasonal return in the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick.
The former French galloper has been competitive in stakes grade since arriving in Australia two years ago but came of age in the autumn with his Doncaster triumph.
The seven-year-old is still relatively lightly raced with just 26 starts under his belt and Cummings is optimistic he can continue to make his presence felt in the major races.
“He silverplated his excellent autumn form with a Doncaster victory and a close third in the All Aged Stakes, both serious Group One events,” Cummings said.
“He hasn’t had a lot of racing and we have expectations that this preparation will see him add more silverware to the cabinet.”
Cascadian historically performs well fresh and will be ridden by Hugh Bowman, who is chasing his 100th Group 1 win aboard the Godolphin gelding.
He is a $10 chance with TAB Fixed odds for the 1400m assignment and Cummings says he appears to have returned in great order.
The elder statesman of the field, Dreamforce, is likewise pleasing his trainer John Thompson.
The nine-year-old has a terrific first-up record but Thompson is wary he might need a run under his belt as an older horse.
Dreamforce finished fifth in the Canterbury Stakes on return in the autumn then was just pipped second-up in the George Ryder Stakes and Thompson believes his form will follow a similar pattern this preparation.
“That was definitely the case last time in. He improved out of sight second-up and just got beaten in a Group One,” Thompson said.
“He’s quite forward but I do believe he’ll improve with the run.”
Dreamforce was at $14 on Friday with Verry Elleegant holding market sway as a $2.90 favourite.
