James Cummings discusses his Gold Rush runners Vilana and Kementari
James Cummings is enjoying his best feature race season and has his sights on winning another this weekend in The Gold Rush.
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Godolphin trainer James Cummings is having his best feature race season since joining the international racing superpower and he has his sights on more success this Saturday in Western Australia’s new feature – the $1.5m The Gold Rush (1400m).
This season Cummings has claimed seven Group 1 victories and is Australia’s leading Group 1 trainer while his total black-type haul is 23 wins, a figure which also leads the way in the training ranks across the nation.
The Gold Rush, run at weight-for-age, was formerly known as the AJ Scahill Stakes before being rebranded earlier this year and receiving a significant prizemoney boost.
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“The gold rush helped to shape racing and shape our state so it will be exciting to watch the inaugural running of the Gold Rush on December 10,” Racing and Wagering Western Australia Chief Executive Officer Ian Edwards said back in July when announcing the race.
“We are hoping the name will spark conversations and bring people together from across the state for the final week of The Pinnacles series and a celebration of how far WA racing has come.”
Godolphin intends to have two runners in the race – stable cult hero Kementari and Vilana, which was a shock race morning scratching from the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes two weeks ago.
While Vilana remained at home in his box, the weight-for-age sprint was won by stablemate Paulele and while he won’t line up in The Gold Rush, another competitor is the horse Cummings has nominated as the one to beat.
#StallionMaking Winterbottom Stakes pic.twitter.com/atRpjE5D2c
— Marc Ohlmus (@marcohlmus) November 27, 2022
“Kissonallforcheeks is a very good horse and winners of the Winterbottom prove very hard to beat in this race year in, year out,” he said.
“Paulele’s not there, he’s out chewing grade as Osborne Park and Kissonallforcheeks was the next best run in the race so there’s the Winterbottom horse.
“She’s the horse to beat having run well a fortnight out and being locally-prepared.”
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Kementari goes into Saturday having last run in Sydney back in October and he tuned up for his target race with what his trainer described as “sexy work”.
“He goes into the race very fresh,” he said.
“He comes out of the Nature Strip Stakes where he was very game, three wide no cover behind Private Eye and Mazu.
“He looks very attractive with all The Everest form around him this preparation.
“Fresh with rock solid form. It’s a pretty good combination.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him back to the scene of the crime where he resurrected his career in this seven-furlong weight-for-age contest two years ago.”
Back on top. No luck at stud, but @godolphinâs Kementari - a ½ to 2YO SW Telperion - notches up his 4th stakes win (and over $2.1m) after capturing the Group 3 Glenroy Chaff AJ Scahill S. at Ascot. The Group 1 Randwick Guineas winner is among 89 SWs for Lonhro. @PerthRacingpic.twitter.com/wCG1VUFF8V
— Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) December 5, 2020
Vilana’s only defeat in three four-year-old starts came when drawing barrier 20 in the Golden Eagle and after his misfortune leading into the Winterbottom, his trainer believes he’s set to show WA racegoers what they missed out on a fortnight ago.
“Vilana was excellent winning The Hunter and that form looks good for Perth,” he said.
“He had a gallop on Saturday. He worked over a half mile and he’s ready to go.
“You’d have to think he’s going to be pretty competitive given the form he’s got this preparation.”
VILANA wins the The Hunter for @godolphin!
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) November 12, 2022
Jockey @nashhot gets the best out of Vilana in a stirring battle with In The Congo to claim the $1m feature at @newcastleraces_ with the winner's stablemate Gravina in third. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/Laql9b0fsS
Melbourne riders Jamie Kah and Ben Melham will head to Perth to ride for Godolphin and will pilot Kementari and Vilana respectively.
Originally published as James Cummings discusses his Gold Rush runners Vilana and Kementari