Trainer backs Pericles for strong Stakes tilt
Gelding’sG hot second-up form has Cummings confident
Pericles’s strong second-up record has trainer James Cummings upbeat going into the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
The Godolphin gelding, who finished sixth fresh in the CF Orr Stakes, four lengths behind Mr Brightside, has won twice second-up in Group 2 company.
“It’s going to be extremely rewarding to see him improve four lengths second-up in the Futurity,” Cummings said on Friday.
“But it’s weight-for-age and he’s going to need to bring his best so we can rely on him improving.
“He’s going to know he’s in a horse race but he should get a beautiful run from the draw.”
Jockey Jamie Kah partnered Pericles to victory second-up in the Group 2 Autumn Classic on the corresponding race card last year at Sandown.
Cummings has a strong team at Caulfield on Saturday with Traffic Warden in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes and Kallos in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.
Valuable experience at Caulfield is expected to hold Traffic Warden in good stead.
Traffic Warden won at Caulfield second-up last December, coming out of a strong form race in Sydney won by eventual Magic Millions Classic winner Storm Boy, the standout Golden Slipper favourite.
Traffic Warden is again second-up in Melbourne after being placed in the Canonbury Stakes last start.
“He’s improved on that and he’s a horse still on the improve,” Cummings said.
“I like going into the Blue Diamond with a horse on the way up.”
Traffic Warden is a $34 chance with TAB.
Kallos, who won the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes last start, is expected to run another slashing race on Saturday.