James Cummings will begin training for Godolphin in July
James Cummings will approach his appointment at Godolphin on a high after training his first treble.
While gloom enveloped a drenched Canterbury meeting that ended up under lights on Wednesday, Cummings warmed to his task as John O’Shea’s successor by signing off in style.
In his last Sydney meeting attached to the family stable Leilani Lodge, Cummings watched as Envy Of All and Word Games scored their maiden victories before talented colt Passage of Time defied a thunderstorm to notch his second win from five starts.
Cummings, who starts work as Godolphin’s head trainer in Australia on July 8, savoured each triumph, though $3.20 favourite Passage of Time’s run was particularly pleasing.
“He’s a tough customer with a wonderful action, a beautiful brute of a horse,” he said.
“If he comes back a strong four-year-old who knows what handicaps he can win on the way through? He could have real potential.”
Passage Of Time also won on debut on heavy ground Kembla Grange but that performance relegated by this effort in teeming rain, a deluge aptly described by Cummings as “biblical”.
“I’m very proud of him to not only win again, but give us our third winner on what is our last Sydney meeting,” he said.
Cummings fond farewell started in the first where two-year-old filly Envy Of All ($3.40) won at the fourth attempt.
“We were tempted to tip her out after she was beaten as a short-priced favourite last time,” Cummings said.
However, he excused that run because she endured a torrid ride in the float to the track and after a smooth journey that faith was rewarded.
“In the parade ring she was on a cotton string and much more relaxed,” he said.
“She was able to put them away with match fitness on her side and also a little bit of class.”
Cummings also predicted a bright future for three-year-old filly Word Games after the $2.90 favourite scored her maiden over 1550m by a half length.
“She’s quite well bred (out of Fastnet Rock) and whether she can produce it all on the track or she produces it as a mum later on, these fillies and mares are so valuable straight off the track in the current climate,” Cummings said.
“The owners have a nice filly on their hands.”
