They are the grandsons of racing royalty, but Edward and James Cummings will look for a piece of history of their own when they saddle up Duais and Anamoe respectively in this Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 2000m at Randwick.
Their grandfather Bart Cummings famously won 12 Melbourne Cups amongst many others in his illustrious career, and Edward and James both have live hopes in the $4 million Group 1 feature.
Duais had also been nominated for the Sydney Cup over the more testing 3200m, but Edward Cummings explained that the current conditions had pulled the rein for him.
“I think the inclement weather predicted for the rest of the week more or less forced our hand,” Edward Cummings told Sky Thoroughbred Central’s Ray Thomas at the official barrier draw on Tuesday morning.
“There’s quite a bit of rain predicted and I think in terms of her wellbeing and safety it’s (sticking to the 2000m) probably the more prudent option.
“I’m sure there have been a number of horses in the past who have completed the (Tancred/Queen Elizabeth) double. She’s a versatile mare and we expect her to run well.”
With his Shamus Award four-year-old drawing the outside barrier in nine, Cummings saw it more as a blessing than a detraction. Possessing a get back-run on racing style, drawing wide isn’t a concern.
“I think when you get to these big races drawing in can sometimes tend to change tactics,” Cummings said.
“I’m actually quite comfortable with barrier nine, it means that we fall into the same position that we would normally and she’s been pretty devastating in two runs since.”
Duais has really hit her straps in recent outings winning the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington by two lengths before dominating a rescheduled Group 1 Tancred at Newcastle by an ever-widening three and a half lengths.
As to who Cummings saw as the dangers, he was quite realistic about the depth of the quality field.
“Where do you start?,” Cummings said.
“All we can do is really focus on the health and wellbeing of our mare and I’m very proud and pleased to say that she’s in great nick.”
Meanwhile, brother James has his champion three-year-old Anamoe in contention and stable representative Darren Beadman was equally effusive about the talent on display. With a combined earnings of over $45 million between them, it is one of the finest lineups to be assembled in recent times.
“It’s a brilliant field, it’s a race that deserves a field of this nature,” Beadman said.
“You’ve got Verry Elleegant and the up and comer Ed’s horse and it’s a stellar field. They are all worthy contenders.
As to how his Street Boss colt will fair on Saturday, Beadman was full of confidence. In 15 career starts at elite level, Anamoe has only missed a drum on one occasion.
“I think he’ll acquit himself extremely well. He’s a classic colt, his win had to be seen to be believed when he won the Rosehill Guineas,” Beadman said.
“All the way through his form has been more than pleasing and he’s held condition well.
“He runs on soft ground and he’s had the run over the mile and a quarter when he was unlucky in the Cox Plate.”
As of Tuesday afternoon Anamoe was $4.50 third-favourite with TAB fixed odds with Duais on the next line of betting at $5.
