Single Choice carries Cumani's Group 1 hopes into SA Derby

Matt Cumani, the trainer, is fine with the South Australian Derby being contested at a measured pace.

On Saturday, Single Choice lines up in the 2518m Group 1 showdown at Morphettville, boasting wins from two of his previous three outings.

In the Autumn Classic at Caulfield three runs prior, he took out the Group 2 event over 1800m, and most recently, Single Choice captured the Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m) at Caulfield on April 11.

A product of sire Anders, known for his speed, the gelding Single Choice draws his endurance from dam Sebring Sally, successful at 1200m for her maiden but also at 2100m, with a fourth placing in a Queensland Oaks (2400m).

Despite his win at 2400m last time, Cumani expressed a wish for a more genuine gallop in that race, given the longer trip ahead this weekend.

"He's got the form on the board, but what he hasn't had is a true test at 2400 or 2500 metres," Cumani said.

"The Galilee Series Final was meant to be that, but he got pretty easy sectionals up front.

"It was a beautiful ride by Jamie Mott, and we were thought that might happen.

"So, technically it was a win, and we were happy to take the win at the time, but we didn't get that true test at a mile-and-a-half."

With barrier five secured and Jamie Mott retaining the ride on Single Choice, Cumani anticipates another slow-run Derby.

Although aware a gentle tempo in the Derby could benefit Single Choice, Cumani hopes a sharper pace proves no issue.

"It is quite possible that we may get that slower type of race run in Adelaide as well which will suit him, but I'm hoping a fast tempo will suit him as well and that is something we will find out," Cumani said.

"Jamie Mott is riding him again, and he was quite keen to go over and ride him which I'm quite pleased with also as he rode him beautifully at Caulfield."

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