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Cummings expects Tailleur to shine

3 minute read

Godolphin trainer confident ahead of Galaxy and is well represented in the George Ryder with Avilius and Cascadian.

TAILLEUR.
TAILLEUR. Picture: Martin King / Sportpix

Godolphin trainer James Cummings is expecting a big showing from Tailleur (Shooting To Win) in The Galaxy (Gr 1, 1100m) on Saturday. 

The four-year-old daughter of Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor) comes into the Group 1 off the back of a last-start victory in the Triscay Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) and Cummings is confident she can improve on that performance. 

Rachel King will ride Tailleur from barrier six and she will carry 51kg.

"In 12 months' time she might not be so far down in the weights in a Group 1 handicap," Cummings said.

"When we get an opportunity with a horse like her and a jockey who's ready to ride her comfortably at the weight, it appears to be a straightforward decision to run in The Galaxy.

"Small fish are sweet, but a Galaxy victory would deliver a feast of good eating.

"They called the meeting off after heavy rain when she won by six lengths at Moonee Valley.

"The wet is certainly of no concern to her."

Meanwhile, Cummings will saddle three-time Group 1 winner Avilius (Pivotal) and Group 3 winner Cascadian (New Approach) in the George Ryder Stakes (Gr 1, 1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. 

Avilius was most recently seen running third behind Verry Elleegant (Zed) - a performance Cummings was pleased with. 

"He's in a good place, looks terrific and I think he has come on a little more in his training," he said. 

"He's a unique horse and the team know him, and how to handle him.

"He's a three-time Group 1 winner, an equine patrician, and the likelihood of a heavy track on Saturday will give him the chance to show his best."

Meanwhile, Cascadian heads to the Group 1 having finished third in the Newcastle Newmarket Handicap (Gr 3, 1400m) on March 5, when carrying top-weight. 

"We thought he ran well with the top weight first-up at Newcastle, making good ground on the inferior inside going," said Cummings. 

"He is a winner at this course and distance, he can get through a wet track and he's going to be improved by his run in the Newcastle Newmarket.

"He appears to be slightly leaner this preparation and it's important that his performance be notable if he is going to be a Doncaster chance."


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