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Big Finish For Cummings and Godolphin

3 minute read

Godolphin is set to end the Group One season on a high with a big hand in Saturday's $500,000 Tatts Tiara at Eagle Farm.

With three runners Godolphin trainer James Cummings is well placed to win the final G1 race of the Australian season and take his tally of majors for the term to nine, an outstanding achievement in only his second full season in charge of the nation's biggest stable.

The Godollphin trio dominate the market for the Tiara (1400m) after the barrier draw.

POHUTUKAWA  Picture: Steve Hart

Pohutukawa has assumed favouritism after drawing barrier five while stablemate and early favourite Savatiano eased from $5 to $6 after drawing gate 15.

The only other acceptor under double figures in the betting is the third Godolphin acceptor Multaja. She drew gate 13.

Chris Waller, who has won 17 G1 races this season and needs one more to break the Australian record of 18 set by the late Tommy Smith, has five five acceptors led by Invincibella and last year's winner Prompt Response.

Despite the strength of the Waller team Cummings is confident he has the winner among his three acceptors but finds it hard to split on current form.

He are his comments on their chances:-

MULTAJA: "Her last start sizzling victory has paved the way for this G1 opportunity. She has three wins and two seconds from her past five starts and is placed at the distance. Even luck should see her in the finish."

POHUTUKAWA: "She was luckless at her most recent start in the Queensland Guineas. Dropping back to 1,400m and the expected strong pace should be ideal for her powerful finish.

"It's no secret the high opinion the stable has of this filly and a G1 victory is well within her scope."

SAVATIANO: "She trialled well at the Gold Coast and continues to enjoy the northern climate. A comprehensive victory last start showed her liking for the track and her distance and class stats read well."

Multaja Picture: Racing and Sports

Cummings ios winding up a most successful Queensland carnival with a strong team to represent him at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

His other runners include:-

KORDIA: "On paper his race doesn't appear overly strong. His win at Canterbury at his second start, indicated excellent improvement."

"We expect him to appreciate the 1400m and gate one is an advantage. He deserves the opportunity in Listed company."

DUCA VALENTINOIS: "His last two runs have been good. He is burdened with the top weight but with even luck will be in the finish again."

INTUITION: "He is back in distance to 1200m and the Eagle Farm layout will suit this fellow better. He's honest and just needs a break at the right time."

ISAURIAN: "We are expecting his outstanding fresh record, competitive nature and a good draw to compensate for experience and a class rise in a very tough event. He has settled in well and his trackwork can't be faulted."