Godolphin looking for Contemporary edge to start season

A pair of Group One wins by Broadsiding have been among the season highlights for trainer James Cummings and he will again be looking to the young colt to fly the stable flag this spring.

Following the retirement of weight-for-age superstar Anamoe last year, Godolphin had a significant void to fill and reflecting on the season that was, Cummings said he was proud of his team’s efforts to claim seven majors.

They included the Champagne Stakes and JJ Atkins with Broadsiding and the Newmarket Handicap with Cylinder, who subsequently joined Anamoe on the Darley roster.

“The last twelve months, the most important highlights for the business had to be the colts, Cylinder and Broadsiding,” Cummings said.

“But Cascadian winning another Australian Cup was heartwarming.

“It has been good to consolidate on what was an outstanding season last year and with the retirement of some key horses, our expectations were lowered.

“But our motivation was as strong as ever, so I think we’ve done really well with what we’ve had in front of us.”

The future is also looking bright, with Broadsiding a clear-cut favourite for both the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) and Caulfield Guineas (1600m) this spring and on the second line of early markets for the Cox Plate (2040m), behind only top mare Pride Of Jenni.

With the midweek meeting at Warwick Farm closing the curtain on the 2023-24 season, Godolphin will be out to make an immediate impact to start the new term with four runners across Rosehill and Flemington on Saturday.

Heuristic will represent the stable in the southern capital, while consistent gelding Contemporary will headline their Rosehill squad in the Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap (1300m).

Contemporary has won three of his past four starts, resuming with a Randwick victory in July before beating all but Jedibeel last time out, although he will face a fresh challenge on Saturday when he is tested beyond 1200m for the first time.

Astern mare Nanshe, who lines up in the Congratulations Zac Lloyd Handicap (1400m), and dual acceptor Dipsy Doodle round out Godolphin’s Rosehill contingent.