James Cummings hopes one among his legendary grandfather’s profitable strategies would be the “further little little bit of ammunition” required as Zardozi seeks to upstage worldwide raiders within the $8 million Melbourne Cup.
Eleven of “Cups King” Bart Cummings’ document 12 Cup winners ran at Flemington on Derby Day, three days earlier than the race that stops the nation.
Saintly, whose remaining lead-up race in 1996 was an epic Cox Plate triumph, was the one exception.
Such is a path not often used now, favoured lead-ups the Mackinnon Stakes (now Champion Stakes) and Archer Stakes have been shifted within the spring program.
However James Cummings will use Saturday’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1,600m) because the platform for Zardozi’s shot at glory over the 2 miles on Tuesday.
“I labored for him, labored alongside him, and that may’t assist however have an effect on the way in which you view coaching or a horse’s preparations in the long run,” Cummings stated of his late grandfather’s affect.
“We’re up in opposition to it, there is no doubt about that. Our little mare has to rise to the event and has to discover a method.
“If we’re an opportunity to beat them (European imports) we have to beat them at our sport, not theirs.
“Whereas they’re able to going into races with many weeks off — some horses have gained a Melbourne Cup with months off — our horses will not be the identical.
“It (Saturday’s run) could possibly be that further little little bit of ammunition that she wants in opposition to these robust and excellent staying European horses.”
The fast turnaround is a components that has labored beforehand for Zardozi, who gained final yr’s VRC Oaks 5 days after triumphing within the Wakeful Stakes.
Whereas not ruling out the prospect, Cummings is not anticipating jockey Daniel Stackhouse to steer Zardozi to victory within the Empire Rose Stakes.
However Cummings hopes the run will assist the four-year-old mare settle at Flemington after he noticed her race keenly at occasions when fourth within the Caulfield Cup.
The Chris Waller-trained Atishu is the favorite, with Amelia’s Jewel and Orchestral additionally among the many main fancies.
“It actually relies on the way in which the race is run however one factor I do know is that whereas she’s been set for a two-mile race, she’s received a flip of foot,” Cummings stated.
“And stayers with a flip of foot are harmful in any races — they will shock.
“I would not be disillusioned to see her lose the race if she’s storming house to be prepared for the Cup.
“Would it not fully shock me if she gained? Properly, stranger issues have occurred.”
Authorities will give particular dispensation to clear Zardozi for the Melbourne Cup.
A veterinary inspection looms after the Empire Rose Stakes, which is scheduled to start out at 5pm AEDT, half-hour after remaining acceptances for the Cup shut.
The following horse within the order of entry — Belief In You — can be elevated into the sphere if Zardozi fails the take a look at.
The ultimate subject can be introduced on Saturday night when the barrier draw is carried out.
Hearken to the stay name of the 2024 Melbourne Cup on ABC Radio, ABC Sport Digital and the ABC Hear App, with protection from 2:30pm to three:30pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 5.
AAP
