JAMES Cummings believes if the tempo is quick enough his capable galloper Cascadian could kick off his campaign with a victory in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400 metres) at Caulfield on Saturday.
“In my mind, I think there’s a way he can get up and win, but he definitely improves with racing,” Cummings said.
“He’s just got to rely on a tempo that looks there on paper.”
Cascadian completed his last campaign with his first Group 1 win in the All Aged Stakes.
Two years ago, Cascadian finished fourth in the Memsie Stakes behind Behemoth. Last campaign he finished a first-up third behind Tofane in the Orr Stakes also a 1400 metres Group 1 weight-for-age race at Caulfield.
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“He’s coming into the race nicely first-up but with stacks of improvement in him,” Cummings said.
“We’ve deliberately given him a few weeks since that trial (third) at Warwick Farm on a very heavy track.”
“He’s had a couple of lung-burners since then but, by and large, we’ve kept things pretty easy for Cascadian in order to have him fresh for the seven-furlongs assignment in the Memsie (Stakes).”
Cummings said he was pleased to have Blake Shinn riding Cascadian and he believed that would suit his style of racing.
Cummings is also excited about the prospects of exciting three-year-old colt Aft Cabin in the H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (1200 metres).
“I like the look of this race. He’s going to be able to conserve his energy and he’s been ticking over beautifully since his Sandown win,” Cummings said.
“This is going to tell us where we sit this weekend because this race is a very strong McNeil (Stakes).”
“He’s got natural pace and an ability to absorb the pressure but I don’t think he needs to be too close, about mid-field.”
“This horse has got very, very good acceleration.”
“We’re excited about what he showed last time. He rated really strongly.”
Cascadian is a $8.00 chance with Playup
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