3 minute read
The prospect of weekend rain is music to the ears of Ballarat trainer Matt Cumani who will chase his hometown Cup with One More Try as the major Saturday meeting this weekend moves to the country.
The $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) is the major event on Saturday that will also feature the $250,000 Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise Classic (1000m) for two-year-olds.
One More Try is coming off a last start fourth in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival.
Cumani is confident One More Try can run a forward race on Saturday, especially if the forecast rain happens to arrive.
"She's in great shape," Cumani said.
"I see there is 5-10mm of rain forecast for Saturday at this stage which would really help her and we'll all be getting out and doing a rain dance.
"If she does get a bit of rain she'll be a great chance as she's been knocking on the door for a win."
While Cumani has been satisfied with the way One More Try has been racing, he wished the six-year-old daughter of Dane Shadow could take up a handier position in the race.
"Really, she's her own worst enemy because she doesn't get herself in a good position early," Cumani said.
"We'd love to try and have her midfield if possible and if we can do that, I think she can win a race like that."
Craig Williams will continue his association with the mare in what Cumani says is possibly going to be the toughest edition yet of the Ballarat Cup.
"She's going to get a big win one of these days, I think," Cumani said.
"And Craig has a good association with her, he knows her a bit.
"I'd just like to see her a bit more forward this time if she can."
The Ballarat Cup was shortened to 2000m last year when won by Kiwia for Archie Alexander.
Kiwia also had the distinction of winning the last Ballarat Cup at 2200m when prepared by Darren Weir.
The installation of a synthetic track on the inside of the Ballarat track caused a reshapes of the turf track which did not allow for a 2200m Cup start.
The Clockwise Classic is the only "reverse direction" race run in Victoria and is staged to give two-year-olds the opportunity of racing right-handed in preparation for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast in January.