The Godolphin team is relieved to get three runners in the Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm after some anxiety when it seemed Pohutukawa might miss out.
Until 10 minutes before the Tatts Tiara field was declared on Wednesday it looked as though she would be at best first emergency.
The filly got into the 1400m-race when Seabrook was a non-acceptor and is now favourite to win the final Group One event of the Australian season at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Godolphin’s three runners are Pohutukawa, Savatiano and Multaja .
It has been a record breaking year for Godolphin which has six stakes wins at the winter carnival including the Group One Stradbroke Handicap with Trekking.
Pohutukawa was an unlucky third in the Group Two Queensland Guineas at her last start when checked at the 200m.
“She was luckless in the Queensland Guineas and I think that will be a very strong form race,” Cummings said.
“Dropping back to 1400 metres from 1600 and the expected strong pace should be ideal for her powerful finish.
“It is no secret the high opinion the stable has of the filly and a Group One Victory is well within her scope.”
Savatiano was displaced as favourite by her stablemate after drawing barrier 15.
But Cummings warned not to get carried away by the poor barrier.
Savatiano was a last-start runaway winner in the Moreton Stakes at Eagle Farm where she showed s real liking for the new surface.
She caught the eye of track watchers on Tuesday when she worked for in-form jockey Blake Shinn.
Tommy Berry will ride Savatiano in the Tiara with Shinn now on Pohutukawa.
“Savatiano trialled well at the Gold Coast since her Eagle Farm win and she continues to love the northern climate,” Cummings said.
“Her comprehensive victory last start showed her liking for the track and her distance and class stats read well.”
The third of the Godolphin horses in the Tatts Tiara is Multaja who won the Helen Coughlan Stakes at her most recent start.
She will be ridden by Jeff Lloyd in his final Group One race before he retires next month.
“Her last-start sizzling victory has paved the way for this Group One opportunity,” Cummings said.
“She has three wins and two seconds from her past five starts and is placed at the distance. Even luck should see her in the finish.”
Pohutukawa was at $5.50 with the TAB on Thursday with Savatiano $6.50 and Multaja $7.50.