Matt Cumani says a wider barrier draw in the Frank Packer Plate will allow Khoekhoe to be ridden colder and come with a late finish.
Most trainers hope for an inside draw to give their horses the best opportunity in a race, but when it comes to Khoekhoe, Matt Cumani is in the other corner.
After drawing soft barriers in the Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby, and running well, Cumani was looking for a wider draw with Khoekhoe in Saturday’s Group 3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m) at Randwick.
Cumani’s wishes were answered with Khoekhoe drawing barrier six in the nine-horse field.
“That will allow him to race towards the back of the field and give him something to chase,” Cumani said.
“I think his two runs in Sydney have been very good, but he’s been swooped over by horses that have been able to build momentum down the outside.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him in that position.”
Cumani said there was a question over Khoekhoe’s ability to stay, but the trainer believes he does.
He said Khoekhoe was waiting for the pack to come to him when in front and is hopeful the three-year-old will overcome that in time.
Craig Williams sticks with Khoekhoe on Saturday and Cumani said the jockey had suggested running the colt in last week’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“I don’t know whether he was blowing smoke, but his view was he needs to be racing against some classy, older horses,” Cumani said.
“He genuinely feels he’s a good horse, but just needs a more solid tempo and an opportunity to build up into the run.”
Saturday’s race will determine the direction Cumani heads with Khoekhoe.
There is the possibility of the South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 8 or the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm in June.
Or there is the Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 15.
“Let’s see how he goes on Saturday and we can make a plan after that,” Cumani said.
