Bauer breaks maiden for Cumani
October 22nd 2008 15:47
After a slow introduction to Australian racing with Soulacroix and Glistening in 2006, Luca Cumani has learned much about what is required to win any race - let alone a feature race - in Australia.
(photo: canberratimes.com.au)
Since his 10.5 length 10th placing in the 2006 Melbourne Cup behind Delta Blues, Glistening has been (first) in the care of Lee Freedman for four inglorious efforts - then subsequently with Michael Moroney for 11 starts, which include 2 minor wins.
Soulacroix finished 6th of 18 in the Saab Quality over 2500m before also transferring to Lee Freedman. He did have initial success when returning for the Autumn and winning two consecutive races - including the Listed Victoria Gold Cup (2000m) at Caulfield - before competing in Group One events in Sydney (without success) and then completely losing his way and all vestiges of form. He is now trained by John Wallace in Brisbane - and still struggling for another elusive win.
Last year Purple Moon went home without winning, but performed admirably in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. He was the right horse for Australian conditions - it’s just that he ran into one superior stayer (Efficient) on the day.
Purple Moon was off the scene until September of this year when he returned to racing in the Listed Foundation Stakes at Goodwood where he ran 5th. He followed this up with a 2nd in the Group 2 Prix du Conseil (1 mile, 3 furlongs & 204 yards) at Longchamp on the 19th of October.
Mad Rush was an impressive 4th in last weeks Caulfield Cup for team Cumani - with daughter Francesca Cumani in control of the horses, writing for newspapers, and charming all and sundry - until the arrival of master trainer Luca. But make no mistake, although photogenic and the visitor from England who everyone wishes to meet - Francesca is a most accomplished rider and trainer (in waiting) in her own right. Luca has (and he knows it well) a very capable lieutenant in Francesca. And now a Geelong Cup as further proof.
Their second-string horse, the grey Halling stallion Bauer, proved too strong for the local contingent of second (or third) tier stayers in the Geelong Cup today. Ridden by Damien Oliver, Bauer tracked deep but quickly moved up to the leaders on turning and gained the better of his rivals before Oliver let him run to the line under his own steam. It is expected now that Bauer will receive a sufficient penalty to elevate him from 43rd (in current order) into the field for the Melbourne Cup.
“It was a good effort. He travelled sweetly for me before I put him into the race and gave him his chance. He was there early but he lengthened well so I kept something in the tank for the Cup.”
“I think both (Cumani runners) will run good races. They're both very good stayers and have been well looked after coming into their Australian campaigns.” - Damien Oliver.
“It's such a relief. We've learned a lot over the last three years but this being our first winner it's a big thrill.” - Francesca Cumani.
Being an overseas horse - ridden by Damien Oliver - comparisons have been made between Bauer and Media Puzzle (who would go on to win the Geelong Cup - Melbourne Cup double).
Media Puzzle went into the Melbourne Cup with the best speedfigures of any horse in the race. Bauer produced a strong effort and his speedfigures are indicative of a horse capable of winning at Group 3 (as is the Geelong Cup) or even Group 2 (with further improvement). The step up to Group 1 will be much more difficult.
Francesca Cumani with Purple Moon
(photo: canberratimes.com.au)
Since his 10.5 length 10th placing in the 2006 Melbourne Cup behind Delta Blues, Glistening has been (first) in the care of Lee Freedman for four inglorious efforts - then subsequently with Michael Moroney for 11 starts, which include 2 minor wins.
Soulacroix finished 6th of 18 in the Saab Quality over 2500m before also transferring to Lee Freedman. He did have initial success when returning for the Autumn and winning two consecutive races - including the Listed Victoria Gold Cup (2000m) at Caulfield - before competing in Group One events in Sydney (without success) and then completely losing his way and all vestiges of form. He is now trained by John Wallace in Brisbane - and still struggling for another elusive win.
Last year Purple Moon went home without winning, but performed admirably in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. He was the right horse for Australian conditions - it’s just that he ran into one superior stayer (Efficient) on the day.
Purple Moon was off the scene until September of this year when he returned to racing in the Listed Foundation Stakes at Goodwood where he ran 5th. He followed this up with a 2nd in the Group 2 Prix du Conseil (1 mile, 3 furlongs & 204 yards) at Longchamp on the 19th of October.
Mad Rush was an impressive 4th in last weeks Caulfield Cup for team Cumani - with daughter Francesca Cumani in control of the horses, writing for newspapers, and charming all and sundry - until the arrival of master trainer Luca. But make no mistake, although photogenic and the visitor from England who everyone wishes to meet - Francesca is a most accomplished rider and trainer (in waiting) in her own right. Luca has (and he knows it well) a very capable lieutenant in Francesca. And now a Geelong Cup as further proof.
Their second-string horse, the grey Halling stallion Bauer, proved too strong for the local contingent of second (or third) tier stayers in the Geelong Cup today. Ridden by Damien Oliver, Bauer tracked deep but quickly moved up to the leaders on turning and gained the better of his rivals before Oliver let him run to the line under his own steam. It is expected now that Bauer will receive a sufficient penalty to elevate him from 43rd (in current order) into the field for the Melbourne Cup.
“It was a good effort. He travelled sweetly for me before I put him into the race and gave him his chance. He was there early but he lengthened well so I kept something in the tank for the Cup.”
“I think both (Cumani runners) will run good races. They're both very good stayers and have been well looked after coming into their Australian campaigns.” - Damien Oliver.
“It's such a relief. We've learned a lot over the last three years but this being our first winner it's a big thrill.” - Francesca Cumani.
Being an overseas horse - ridden by Damien Oliver - comparisons have been made between Bauer and Media Puzzle (who would go on to win the Geelong Cup - Melbourne Cup double).
Media Puzzle went into the Melbourne Cup with the best speedfigures of any horse in the race. Bauer produced a strong effort and his speedfigures are indicative of a horse capable of winning at Group 3 (as is the Geelong Cup) or even Group 2 (with further improvement). The step up to Group 1 will be much more difficult.
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