Latest News

By Brad Gray (@BradJGray)

Celts in 2010 is the last Godolphin (then Darley) galloper to win the $150,000 Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) but it’s a race James Cummings has had circled for Malahat all campaign.

“We’ve had this race in mind for him for a while,” Cummings said.

“He finished fourth to Viridine (last start) when he led. There wasn’t a lot between them and we have a very good opinion of Viridine. He’s trialled nicely since that run.”

The three-year-old colt, out of handy Group Three-winning mare Raspberries, ran fourth in the Heritage Stakes when we saw him last. He’ll have to turn the tables on placegetters Single Bullet and Albumin who also line up here.

The royal blues will also be represented in the race by consistent gelding Piracy who has won three of his past four and at his latest outing wasn’t beaten far against older horses.

“He’s worked his way through the grades and shown that he’s improving with every run,” said Cummings.

“He was solid at Randwick last start when he finished fourth and although he goes up in class he can be competitive if he gets some cover.”

Meanwhile, the stable will saddle up two runners in the $150,000 Group Three Nivison (1200m) in the shape of Kinsachi and Maternal, with TAB Fixed Odds assessing them $8 and $15 chances respectively.

“This looks to be a strong race but (Kinsachi) showed good form in Queensland during her last prep,” explained Cummings.

“She might need a run or two to reach her peak and some rain would be an advantage.

“(Maternal) has similar form lines to Kinshachi who she beat narrowly in the Gai Waterhouse at Ipswich. Her two barrier trials have been satisfactory. She’s been a very consistent filly who can figure here in a very good field.”

Check out the fields, form and replays for Royal Randwick on Saturday