Cummings camp taking Precedence first

YOU could have sworn James Cummings was talking about the career of his grandfather as he spoke in glowing terms of veteran galloper Precedence.

Precedence provides the biggest win of the legendary trainer Bart Cummings's fledgling partnership with his grandson James. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

YOU could have sworn James Cummings was talking about the career of his famous grandfather as he spoke in glowing terms of veteran galloper Precedence yesterday.

The carnival was given its essential Bart Cummings injection when Precedence provided the biggest win to date of the legendary trainer’s fledgling partnership with his grandson James in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Drake International Cup.

“He’s going terrific. He’s really taking to the fresh preparation,” Cummings Jr said.

“The horse is feeling good and still has a real zest for racing, which he proved today.”

Now an eight-year-old, Precedence won the same race three years earlier.

But his hopes of running in the Melbourne Cup for a fourth time seem unlikely, even though bookmakers slashed his price from $501 to $71 after the win.

Chief handicapper Greg Carpenter needs to tomorrow allot a 2kg penalty to assure Precedence a place in the field. Last year’s winner Vatuvei received 1kg and the year before Americain received no penalty.

“You can’t make decisions based on that,” a straight-faced Carpenter said when quizzed on the prospect of ensuring “the Cups King" has a tilt at a 13th Cup.

Both James Cummings and jockey Craig Williams feel Precedence would be competitive if the numbers fell away to allow him a start.

“Someone should tell Greg Carpenter that if he gives this horse a penalty and he gets a run in the Cup then Bart will be there on Cup day to cheer him on,” Cummings said.

“We would be more than happy to take them on. Joe (Agresta) has him going so well.”

Williams said Precedence would be very competitive if he gained a start in the Melbourne Cup.

“It would be great for the 2013 Emirates Melbourne Cup if Bart Cummings can get a runner,” Williams said.

Precedence, an eight-year-old gelding, has 52kg and is 45th on the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Jay Town

Precedence ran eighth in the 2010 Cup, 11th in 2011 and 12th last year.

“He’s by Zabeel and it’s a great pedigree for horses that get better with age but don’t forget that when Bart struck with Comic Court it was his third go at a Melbourne Cup so it can be done," Cummings said.

“(The tongue tie) could have been the vital gear change we needed but that’s not to take anything away from how good the horse is going this preparation and he might have a little bit of improvement in him.”

Easing favourite Sneak A Peek had the perfect run in transit, but failed to accelerate and dropped out to finish last.

Trainer Peter Moody said the only thing on the immediate agenda for Sneak A Peek is a gelding operation.