3 minute read

A step up to 2400m has reaped rewards for the Anthony Cummings-trained Brave The Way who scored his second win in seven days the Share Care Support Benchmark 85 at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

Brave The Way went into the staying event at Warwick Farm on Saturday off a dominant win at Rosehill seven days prior over 1900m.

The Anthony Cummings-trained gelding hadn't previously raced over the mile and a half journey however any queries regarding his ability at the trip were quickly answered upon straightening.

Worse than midfield approaching the 600m after a number of slow mid sectionals, Peter Robl elected to move the Falbrav gelding out three deep turning for home.

The five-year-old had his sights on the early leaders not long after and just inside the 200m hit the front on his way to a 1.5 length win.

Chris Waller's pair of Shawnee Girl and Sour Mash filled the minor placings.

The success was Brave The Way's second from as many runs since arriving at the Randwick stables of Anthony Cummings having previously been trained by Alan Bailey.

“He is a nice horse,” Cummings said.

“He came to my place in very good condition. Alan had done a great job with him and I've just been lucky enough to reap the benefits of a very good grounding.”

Deciding upon a campaign path for Brave The Way has become easier for Cummings today after the rising six-year-old demonstrated his capability over 2400m and also on the seven day back up.

“I've got my L Plates on at the moment with him trying to work out exactly where he fits,” Cummings said.

“I thought the way he raced last week a mile and a half would really suit.

“In terms of trying to determine a plan for him through the spring I wanted to see what he could do at a mile and a half. Plainly he handles that very well and it really does open up the doors to much better races for him.

“Certainly the race at Newcastle and The Metropolitan loom large now on his calendar.”

It was the second time jockey Peter Robl had partnered Brave The Way having ridden the son of Falbrav during his last start for Alan Bailey two runs prior at Rosehill.

The jockey showed good awareness prior to straightening with his decision to peel wide and move up near the leaders earlier than expected arguably a winning call.

“From about the mile to around the 600m they'd had pretty easy sectionals,” Robl said.

“I thought from there it was going to be survival of the fittest and we had no doubt our fella would run 2400m.

“I got up there, put some pressure on them and pretty much went straight past them.”

Cummings and Robl enjoyed a race to race double 40 minutes later when She's A Fox saluted in the Optus 2YO Sprint (1100m).