Anamoe Could Be On Expressway To Championships Glory
By Ray Hickson
Godolphin’s superstar colt Anamoe could be a surprise starter in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at the end of the month.
Head trainer James Cummings said the three-year-old, winner of the Caulfield Guineas and runner-up in the Cox Plate, has put on good condition since his spring break and is set to trial within the next couple of weeks.
It’s unlikely the colt will be asked to travel internationally this year and Cummings said all eyes are on the Sydney autumn and The Star Championships and adding to his Group 1 tally.
“We have not locked anything in precisely but he’ll be nominated for the features,’’ Cummings said.
“I don’t think there will be too many surprises in the races he’s nominated for. We’ll just get through the next month before we nail anything down.
Big things are expected of star colt Anamoe in the autumn. (Pic: Stave Hart)
“It’s possible that he might run at the end of the month.”
Anamoe is the current TAB favourite for the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) and Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), second favourite behind Profondo in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and $11 third elect for the Group 1 $4m Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).
Plenty is expected of Anamoe in 2022 and Cummings said he will be given every chance to live up to everyone’s expectations.
“He’s delivered already in the early part of his three-year-old season,’’ he said.
“With a good break under his belt he’s capable of a good campaign this time in.
“We’re delighted with him and that’s important at this time of the year when there are some solid assignments ahead.”
Fellow three-year-olds Paulele and Ingratiating are also building up for the autumn and Cummings said their campaigns will be crucial to plans for the future.
Both were considered possibilities to fill the Godolphin TAB Everest slot last spring, particularly Paulele after his easy Roman Consul Stakes win a week prior to the $15m sprint.
“They spelled nicely, they are good colts in relatively light training at the moment,’’ he said.
“They showed glimpses in the spring of some of their lofty potential. I suppose this preparation could be important to them if they are able to step up to the next level.”
Doncaster Mile winner Cascadian’s defence of the historic Randwick feature will likely be in the hands of the handicapper with Cummings suggesting weight-for-age races are his likely targets.
After he carried 56.5kg to a fourth in the Epsom Handicap he was placed in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) and Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) in Melbourne and that could well be where his early autumn campaign is focused.
Multiple Group 1 winner Colette is another who will be nominated for a variety of races in the autumn and Cummings said he’s expecting another fruitful campaign where the weather could dictate how lofty the aims are.
“With La Nina in full swing it doesn’t hurt to have a demon of a wet tracker in the stable,’’ he said.