Trainer Grahame Begg has confirmed that his seasoned gelding, Nonconformist, is poised to make his return to racing in the Group 3 The Cummings Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville on May 10.
This race, formerly known as the R A Lee Stakes, will mark Nonconformist’s first start since his unplaced finish in the Rosehill Cup in November last year.
“He’s had a jumpout and then a trial last week,” Begg stated to Racing.com. “He’s gone down to do a bit of beach work and he comes back and will have another jumpout over 1200m and then go to that race in Adelaide.”
The eight-year-old, with six wins from 35 starts and over $2.3 million in prizemoney, last tasted victory in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in March 2023. Begg is optimistic about the upcoming race, noting the set-weights-plus-penalties conditions.
“The thing with that race is it’s set-weights-plus-penalties, so the fact that he hasn’t won for some time means he’ll get the base weight.”​
Reflecting on Nonconformist’s recent trial, Begg commented, “He’s going beautifully. He was in a sharp heat last Thursday at the Caulfield Heath track and he was working home really well.” The gelding finished fifth in that 1000m trial, which was won by Group-winning filly Ameena.