Hugh Bowman with James Cummings after winning the Schweppes Thousand Guineas at Caulfield Racecourse on October 12, 2019 in Caulfield, Australia. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)
Godolphin might have the favourites for the two Group One races in Brisbane, but head trainer James Cummings will be keeping a keen eye on a couple of its improving young horses at Rosehill.
Champagne Stakes winner Broadsiding is odds-on to add Saturday’s JJ Atkins (1600m) to his resume, while Vilana has firmed into outright top pick for the $3 million Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).
That pair will be the clear focal point for Godolphin this weekend, however, Cummings is also looking forward to seeing how three-year-olds How Dare You, Hanau and Pisanello acquit themselves in their respective assignments at Rosehill.
A daughter of Zoustar – who was this week valued at $78 million after a 1/60th stake in the Widden Stud stallion sold for $1.3 million – How Dare You has won two of her eight starts, including a first-up success at Scone last month.
Cummings believes she has largely flown under the radar but feels that could change after Saturday’s TAB Handicap at Rosehill (1400m).
“She’s been a little bit underrated, but she’s starting to find her feet now,” Cummings said.
“We can expect strong pace again here, she’s drawn in a slightly awkward position (barrier nine), but she’ll be flying home given the way she’s trained on since Scone.
“I’d like to see her go on with it because she’s quite a talented filly.”
Kerrin Mcevoy will partner How Dare You and also has the ride on Hanau in the ATC Foundation Handicap (1100m).
The Snitzel gelding has managed a top-two finish in five of his six starts and posted a victory over subsequent Canberra Guineas winner Xidaki at Newcastle in January.
He has caught the eye hitting the line stylishly in two recent barrier trials and Cummings is anticipating a bold return.
“I’d expect Hanau to run a cheeky race first-up,” he said.
“That most recent trial at Hawkesbury, going to the line beside Pereille, that’s pretty nice work for a race like this.”
Pisanello will represent the stable in the same race but from barrier 12, Cummings says his chances will hinge on getting luck from an awkward draw, while the resuming Sandpaper rounds out their Sydney team in the Rosehill Bowling Club Handicap (1300m).