Like father, like son.
Edward Cummings followed in his father’s Anthony’s footsteps by celebrating his first stakes win as a trainer when outsider Top Of My List won the Japan Racing Association Plate at Randwick.
Another landmark victory for the storied racing family was also a welcome outcome for Anthony and Edward since their training partnership began early last month.
Although they soon had success when Screamarr won at Kembla Grange, subsequent races had not gone their way until Top Of My List held her rivals at bay at Randwick on Saturday.
Top Of My List ($18) beat Sons of John ($11) three-quarters of a length while Rudy ($18) placed third, three lengths adrift.
Edward Cummings said the win was especially sweet because one of Top Of My List’s connections, Martin Einfield, provided a reference when the rookie applied for a trainers’ licence.
“Martin actually recommended me as a trainer. It’s lovely to win for them, my first stakes win,” he said.
Top Of My List had been kept fresh since finishing third in the Epona Stakes at Rosehill on March 18.
But the stable was always confident she would thrive after a mini-break.
“She’s a fantastic fresh horse. We had no qualms about her having the break between runs,” Edward said.
“We just thought it was imperative she got a nice comfortable run in transit.”
Jockey Tim Clark was also impressed after riding Top Of My List for the first time.
“I just sort of let her find the front under her own steam and when she heard them come up behind her she dragged herself up the rise, kicked strongly and she was full of running to the line,” he said.
The Group Two $300,000 Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 10 is likely next on her list.
