3 minute read

James Cummings knows if Good Standing is to win the Group 2 $175,000 MTA Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday – he’ll have to earn it.

Good Standing is taking on a crack field with the likes of Astern, El Divino, Star Turn, Telperion and Mediterranean lining up, as well as a host of other proven city two-year-old winners.

“It’s a hot field. This is a Group One in disguise,” Cummings said.

Cummings was happy Good Standing did everything he was asked in two barrier trials where he finished second and third (behind Telperion) and he looks ready for his first time at the races as a three-year-old.

“He’s stronger but he’s also much more mature so I’d like to think that will transpire into his racing,” Cummings said.

“He’s come back well and he’s trialled up strongly for the race. The horse is in very good shape.

“On Saturday you’re going to get your best guide on him once he gets put under pressure.”

Cummings said from barrier 10, jockey Glyn Schofield has a number of options and he was sure Good Standing would handle what looks likely to be a wet surface with the rail in the true position.

“I think he’ll be quite okay. He’s won a barrier trial on a heavy track before his debut so I wouldn’t be too worried about that,” Cummings said.

“There are plenty of talented horses that have natural speed in this race so we’ll have time to think about how we’ll ride him but this horse is so versatile.”

Just 40 minutes after the Run To The Rose, Cummings has Tatts Cup winner Ruling Dynasty in the Premier’s Cup (1900m). Cummings is confident the horse can bounce back to form after a last-start ninth over 1400 metres in the Spring Preview.

“He’s going well and he’ll thrive with the step up in distance,” he said. “I’d really like to see this horse run a big race for us on the weekend.”

The first of nine races at Rosehill jumps at 12.10pm.