Arts thriving ahead of interstate mission
The last time Ed Cummings was in Adelaide for a Group 1 race, it was as an assistant trainer to his father Anthony with a horse at the end of its preparation.
Fast forward seven years and Cummings is back in town as a successful trainer in his own right, this time with promising filly Arts, the early favourite for Saturday's Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville.
"We took a horse there called Believe for the (2016) Australasian Oaks and South Australian Oaks," Cummings recalled of his last Group 1 visit.
"She probably came to the end of it before we got her there so she wasn't quite as good as we would have hoped.
"But Arts is in a different place in her preparation and her racing life at the moment."
A lightly raced daughter of Xtravagant, Arts was a brilliant winner of the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000) at Randwick two starts ago and was far from disgraced when she backed up seven days later to finish fifth in the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) despite racing keenly.
Cummings expects a drop back in distance to suit the filly, who is still learning her race craft.
"We know she's got plenty in the locker, it's just a matter of her coming to terms with relaxing over those longer distances at the moment," he said.
"She was still keen in the Adrian Knox and was too good for them, so we know it's all there and she is getting smarter with every run.
"We're very pleased with how she has done since the Oaks and the way she's relaxing in her work now.
"She had her final piece of work yesterday (Tuesday) morning at Flemington and she's in good nick."
Top Sydney jockey Sam Clipperton partnered Arts to her Group 3 win and will make the trip to Morphettville to reunite with her in the Australasian Oaks.
Cummings also has Group 1 plans for stable star Duais, who has continued her comeback from a bone chip operation with a barrier trial win at Newcastle on Wednesday.
The mare, who hasn't raced since last year's Melbourne Cup, is likely to have a light campaign with the Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 20 pencilled in for her return.
"We haven't made any firm commitment to anything but the Doomben Cup at this point," Cummings said.
"She seems as good as ever and has trialled accordingly."
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...