An impressive Randwick barrier trial win by Cluster has prompted trainer Anthony Cummings to aim the well-bred youngster towards the Group 1 $1m BECK Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 12.
Trainer Anthony Cummings is aiming Cluster for the Caulfield Guineas at Caulfield. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Cummings has nominated Cluster, along with stable mate Never Can Tell for the Group 3 $125,000 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday and expects a forward showing from both colts.
Cluster put in a first class effort making up plenty of ground at the end of the 1050m trial at Randwick on August 2 to score a narrow win over the Gai Waterhouse trained Liberty’s Choice.
While Never Can tell was a tidy second to the Peter Snowden trained Kuroshio over 800m.
“Yes, they are both ready and they will both run on Saturday,” Cummings told Racing Network .
“Cluster is a well-built colt with a really good pedigree, who pleased us on debut but pulled up shin-sore so we put him aside.
“This time back he has had two trials and been quite impressive in both and we think he’s got a very good future.”
Hugh Bowman has stuck with the Fastnet Rock colt after getting a feel in his two trials and was also aboard at his only run when sixth over 1100m in a Canterbury two year old maiden on April 17.
“Hughie likes him a lot and he’ll ride on Saturday,” Cummings said.
While Cummings thinks Cluster will be handy over 1600m and maybe beyond, he will be keeping Never Can Tell to a sprinter’s campaign with the two three years heading on different Spring Carnival paths.
All going well Cluster will head to Caulfield for his the Guineas while Never Can Tell will be aimed at the Group 1 $500,000 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on November 2.
“Cluster will be aimed at the Caulfield Guineas while the other one will be set for a race like the Coolmore over 1200 metres on Derby Day in Melbourne,” Cummings said.
Cluster is currently a $51 chance for the Caulfield Guineas but with a bold showing on Saturday could force his price to shorten significantly.
The Tony Vasil trained Prince Harada heads the betting at $5 in front of Adelaide three year old Eclair Big Bang and boom Kiwi Cauthen at $7.50.
