Matt Cumani can’t get over the strength of the Geelong Cup and as a result he regards it as a great test for his French import San Huberto, who will make his Australian debut in the race.
“It’s such a strong edition. There’s plenty of European horses in it and it’s like a Melbourne Cup field as that’s where they are all heading,” Cumani said.
“It’s going to give us a great guide as to where he sits in terms of the Melbourne Cup.”
Cumani pointed out that San Huberto would be better suited over the Melbourne Cup distance of 3200m than the 2400m of the Geelong feature.
San Huberto is one of four Europeans making their Australian debuts in the Geelong Cup with the others being Ashrun, Skyward and Le Don De Vie.
San Huberto is the only one of the quartet to have won at Group Two level and he is top weight with 59kg.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Geelong Cup
“I think he has to improve on his European form but plenty of Europeans get out here and do that,” Cumani said.
Cumani said San Huberto would roll forward as he would need a genuine tempo to be in the finish.
“He’s going to need a clever ride from Damien Oliver but that’s what he does,” Cumani said.
San Huberto is number 30 in the Melbourne Cup order of entry.
Cumani will also be represented in the Geelong Cup by his consistent stayer Creedence but queries whether he is up to the class.
“I really love this horse for what he’s done for my stable over winter and in early spring,” Cumani said.
“In The Bart Cummings he ran well against Melbourne Cup horses but wasn’t quite good enough and it could be the same in the Geelong Cup.”
Creedence is being aimed at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the final day of the Flemington carnival on November 7.
