Commemorative set to contest Thoroughbred Club Stakes

James Cummings is stepping promising filly Commemorative back in distance as an attempt at a Group 1 classic over a mile has come along too soon for her.

Commemorative was the original favourite for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) but Cummings has instead favoured a start in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes over 1200-metres at Caulfield on Saturday.

“It has all come a little too soon for Commemorative,” Cummings said.

“She’s got ability so a little drop back in distance is nice.

“This is still stakes grade but as a three-year-old filly in the spring it is a good opportunity to add to her (bloodstock) page.”

Commemorative, a filly by I Am Invincible, is the $3.50 second favourite for the Thoroughbred Club Stakes with the John O’Shea-trained Saltaire slightly holding favouritism at $3.30.

Fading late over 1400-metres at Flemington in the Listed Desirable Stakes on November 7, the lesser trip is seen as the better springboard to future success.

“I’d love to see her breakthrough,” Cummings added.

“Then we can put her away and measure up in the autumn.

In three starts, Commemorative has notched one victory over 1100-metres at Canterbury last June.

“In the fullness of time she may just prove to be a sprinter,” he said.

“We had aspirations that she might stretch out to a mile and we can re-evaluate that at the conclusion of this campaign.”

James McDonald retains the ride on Commemorative as he did at Flemington.

On the Group 1 scene at Caulfield on Saturday, Godolphin are represented by $10-chance Vilana in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).