Matt Cumani-trained stablemates Doroza and Tarn’s Prince are set to battle it out against each other over 2400m at Sandown.
Trainer Matt Cumani hopes to learn a bit more about his two stayers that line up against each other in the Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap (2400m) at Sandown on Wednesday.
On one hand is Doroza, stepping out to the trip for the first time while he is unsure whether Tarn’s Prince is a genuine stayer despite the gelding winning over 2400m at Sandown in January.
A five-time winner from 29 starts, including one over 2000m at Flemington, Cumani said now was the time to try Doroza at 2400m.
“He’s been in a while, but he’s very fit so it’s probably not a bad time to try him,” Cumani said.
“I’ve been very happy with what he’s done for us this campaign.
“He’s gone from a horse last year that was struggling a little bit to suddenly being up to city class and running good races.
“It would be great if we could eke out a little bit more improvement and maybe the step up in distance will allow that.”
Despite his success at 2400m Cumani is unsure what distance Tarn’s Prince, by Magic Millions winner Unencumbered, is best suited to.
Cumani said after Kayla Crowther rode the gelding in the Lord Reims Stakes in Adelaide last start, her report was he needed 3000m.
“He’s an interesting horse. I still haven’t worked him out in terms of his distance,” Cumani said.
“I’m just needing to find out a bit more about him by racing him in the lowest class possible.”
Cumani also has stable newcomer Zousonic kicking off in the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap (1400m).
“I think she’s promising and has been working well at home,” Cumani said.
“I think she’ll get 2000 (metres) and if she does get that distance, the sky could be the limit for her.”
