2025 Wagga Cup test for Tempesti at Sandown races

Matt Cumani is excited to see Tempesti get a fresh opportunity at Sandown this Saturday, after a horror debut nearly ended the promising import’s career.

The Italian-bred stayer lines up in the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1800m), a crucial step in a revised campaign following a freak incident at Flemington in March. That day, the six-year-old was galloped on, suffering a deep laceration narrowly missing a tendon by just a millimetre.

“It was a very close call,” Cumani said. “Had it gone just a bit deeper, we may have lost him.”

Thankfully, Tempesti has recovered well, winning a 1300m jump-out at Ararat earlier this month and impressing the stable with his progress.

“He’s bounced back with the kind of resilience you love to see,” Cumani said. “He’s ready to get back on track.”

Tempesti, a winner of nine from 20 starts in Europe, was purchased by Cumani during a trip to Italy. The gelding carries added sentimental value, being bred by the famed Tesio family and formerly racing in their iconic colours.

“It’s very personal for me,” Cumani said. “It’s not every day you get to train a horse linked to your heritage and the Tesio name.”

While 1800 metres is shy of his best distance, Cumani is using Saturday’s race as a platform for a campaign aimed at longer staying events, including a potential tilt at The Bart Cummings (2500m) and ultimately the Melbourne Cup.

“We think he’s best over 2400 metres and beyond,” Cumani said. “But he’s fit, fresh, and he’ll appreciate any cut in the ground.”

“His high rating means we’ve got to be selective with placement, but we’ll use winter to build him up. He’s a quality horse with a lot to offer.”