Cummings bullish over return of multiple Group winner in Challenge Stakes

Missing the spring could prove a blessing in disguise for Godolphin sprinter Aft Cabin, who will be looking to make some immediate autumn inroads when he resumes in the Challenge Stakes at Randwick.

The four-year-old has been off the scene since finishing midfield in the Stradbroke Handicap in June, trainer James Cummings deciding to sit out the early-season features when he wasn’t entirely satisfied with the entire.

“I wouldn’t say he had an issue that I could put my finger on, I just wasn’t happy with the horse,” Cummings said.

“In hindsight, I think that worked out OK because I think we’re going to get some tracks in the coming weeks with some juice in them and that will suit the horse.”

Cummings’ satisfaction levels have been much higher this time around, Aft Cabin rounding out his preparations for the Challenge Stakes (1000m) with an exhibition gallop between races at Randwick last weekend.

The trainer is seeing positive signs from his charge and has pencilled in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill on Golden Slipper day as a short-term target, provided Aft Cabin runs to expectations at Randwick.

“He is really charging around and he is a very happy horse,” Cummings said.

“He has come back into work feeling so good and I’d be shocked if that horse didn’t have a good prep.

“The Challenge will set him up well for The Galaxy, so I’ve got that in mind. But one race at a time and I think he can run a good race fresh up.”

Aft Cabin, to be ridden by James Mcdonald, will be one of two Challenge Stakes runners for Cummings along with Zapateo, who will be partnered by Kerrin Mcevoy.

The latter resumed with a solid third in the Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield last month and has had a subsequent barrier trial to keep her up to the mark.