Matt Cumani is no stranger to winning the Pakenham Cup, but it is also a race that has caused the trainer a bit of grief.
Etah James took out the Listed race over 2500m in 2019 forming part of a long-priced double for the Cumani stable that day.
Cumani was not on course to see Etah James win at $61 after an earlier win by Future Score at $17.
“It was a great day for the stable, but I was at a wedding that day and I nearly got lynched for not tipping them,” Cumani said.
Cumani returns for another shot at the Pakenham Cup on Saturday, this time with Future Score, three years after that success first-up over 1600m, joined by Nobel Heights.
Future Score will be having his third run from a spell and enters the race off a 3-½ length fourth to Bankers Choice in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on November 19.
“I was delighted with his run at Ballarat considering he was down on probably the slightly softer ground,” Cumani said.
“Whether that had a negative effect on him or not, I don’t know.
“The 2000 metres was a bit short for him, but for that stage of his preparation, which was second-up for an eight-year-old that is holding on to his weight a little bit longer, I thought it was a great run.
“He came out of it really well and I think he’s ready for the 2500 metres on Saturday. It still might be a test for him being third-up, but he’s in great shape.”
Cumani said going forward the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington, the Listed Torney Night Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley along with the Adelaide Cup and Sydney Cup are potential targets.
A son of Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente, Cumani said Nobel Heights was still developing as a stayer despite having his 15th start on Saturday.
Nobel Heights was a last start second to Kissinger, an opponent again on Saturday, over 2540m in benchmark 84 grade at Cranbourne on November 12.
“He’s still quite juvenile in some respects, particularly physically,” Cumani said.
“I think he’s still got some improvement to go, a typical Fiorente, as they get better with age.
“He’s a lovely looking horse with a great attitude and a lovely action.”
