Matt Cumani upbeat about Zipping Classic contender Future Score as he considers the bigger picture

Matt Cumani is upbeat about his OTI gallopers on Zipping Classic Day, but even now the shrewd trainer is looking at an even bigger target.

Future Score and Fred Kersley on the way to the barriers before the Hotham Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images

Matt Cumani wants to add to the credentials of progressive stable star Future Score in the hope of getting the Cranbourne Cup winner to the Melbourne Cup next year.

Future Score will line up in the Zipping Classic on Saturday at Sandown after running an unlucky third in the Group 3 Hotham Handicap at Flemington.

“Given he was bought with this (Melbourne Cup) target in mind we ought to try and play it safe and try to build up his rating,” Cumani said.

Matt Cumani has long-range plans for Future Score.

“If he were to win it (Zipping) and it’s a pretty tough race, his rating would go up quite significantly … it would help him get into the Cup next year so that’s why we‘re going to give it a crack Saturday.”

Future Score sustained a wide run to win the Cranbourne Cup two starts back then struck interference in the Hotham Handicap, in pursuit of the last golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup.

“If you look at him in the Hotham he probably could’ve finished a close second, or even given the winner a run for his money,” Cumani said.

“Had he got out in time he might’ve been in the Cup (this year) … it’s certainly worth trying to get there next year.”

“You can try and build up his record in staying races and build up his rating or try and fluke it a little bit and try and win one of the ‘win and you’re ins’.”

Cumani has Furioso in the Sandown Guineas and international San Huberto in the Sandown Cup.

One-time Melbourne Cup aspirant San Huberto flopped in the Geelong Cup on debut in Australia but the extra distance and a more aggressive ride should suit on Saturday.

“He‘s a dour, one-paced stayer in my book, but I also think we’re starting to work him out a bit better,” Cumani said.

“There is a real change in his gallops when he leads, he’s almost unbeatable, (but) when he’s out the back he seems very one-paced, very lazy … that’s something we saw in the Geelong Cup.”

Fred Kersley expects San Huberto to make amends from his last-start failure.

Stable jockey Fred Kersley, who returns to the saddle following a suspension, signalled his intentions.

“It really wouldn’t surprise me if San Huberto gets his own way and gets it nice,” Kersley said.

“He’s a horse with a lot of ability, although he never showed it at his last outing … I think everyone has to be mindful it was 60 days between his last run in France.

“He’s coming into this race with a lot more fitness on his side, at 3200m, I think he might give them a little shake up.”

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Originally published as Matt Cumani upbeat about Zipping Classic contender Future Score as he considers the bigger picture