Trainer James Cummings provides us with his comments on Godolphin’s runners on Derby Day this weekend at Flemington.
Race 2 G.H.Mumm Wakeful Stakes-Group 2 (3yoF SWP) (2000m)
PENSATO (AUS) – 3yo Filly by Lonhro (AUS) out of Miss Right Note (IRE)
Jockey – William Pike, 55kgs, Barrier: 5
“Her effort was only faint in the Ethereal at Caulfield last start with over three weeks off.”
“The filly can be an improver back to her home track at Flemington where she won the 1,800m Oaks Trial so strongly.”
SILHOUETTE (AUS) – 3yo Filly by Teofilo (IRE) out of Cameo (AUS)
Jockey – John Allen, 55kgs, Barrier: 3
“The form of this filly is not that black and white. The run in the Edward Manifold two runs ago was promising.”
“There is little between her and stablemate Pensato in this three year old fillies race, and the Melbourne-based challenger for the VRC Oaks feels as though it is up for grabs this weekend.”
Race 3 TAB Stakes-Group 2 (Linlithgow Hcp) (1200m)
CORUSCATE (AUS) – 6yo Gelding by Exceed And Excel (AUS) out of Dazzler (AUS)
Jockey – Damien Oliver, 60kgs, Barrier: 3
“Back-to-back wins will see Coruscate leave the gates a confident horse.”
“The weight poses an herculean task against testing opposition.”
“There is some Schillaci form among the nominations which could be the testing material.”
Race 5 TAB Empire Rose Stakes-Group 1 (F&M WFA) (1600m)
ASIAGO (AUS) – 4yo Mare by Medaglia d’Oro (USA) out of Disputes (AUS)
Jockey – Mark Zahra, 56.5kgs, Barrier: 2
“Asiago’s first two runs this prep were very solid, including a stylish Listed victory at Wyong.”
“She was always off the track last start. In fact, the runs she has had in her past couple of starts should be put through the shredder.”
“As a three-time stakes winner, we feel she has enough quality to be given her chance in an open contest.”
Race 8 Kennedy Cantala-Group 1 (Qlty) (1600m)
BEST OF DAYS (GB) – 7yo Gelding by Azamour (IRE) out of Baisse (GB)
Jockey – Ben Melham, 54.5kgs, Barrier: 13
“When he sprinted through the field to win this race two years ago, Best of Days demonstrated his affinity with the Flemington track.”
“His first up run here showed he was getting into good form.”
“Forgive him for failing last time when the rain came at Caulfield. He was well found by the market for good reason. Don’t be surprised to see him parade like the winner.”
CASCADIAN (GB) – 6yo Gelding by New Approach (IRE) out of Falls of Lora (IRE)
Jockey – Damien Oliver, 54.5kgs, Barrier: 18
“This preparation we have been disappointed FOR the horse, not IN the horse.”
“We are now focussing his energies on reproducing that exciting effort in this race 12 months ago.”
“Like Best of Days, he is going to enjoy getting to this flat Flemington mile. They’ll give it a shake.”
Race 9 Furphy Sprint-Group 3 (4yo+ Mares SWP) (1100m)
EXHILARATES (AUS) – 4yo Mare by Snitzel (AUS) out of Samaready (AUS)
Jockey – Damien Oliver, 57kgs, Barrier: 5
“Exhilarates was just over-travelling from her wide alley first up over 1200m. This will suit her better and a good effort here will form part of a light spring before tackling bigger assignments over the summer.”
