Offshore target on sprinter’s radar

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

The international stage beckons Godolphin’s model professional Osborne Bulls (Street Cry {USA}).

Trainer James Cummings has revealed serious consideration is being given a trip to Dubai for next year's World Cup carnival with a focus on the G1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan in March.

“He loves straight-track racing and it has been tossed around,” he said.

“This might be a really interesting horse to put in front of his owner, Sheikh Mohammed, just to show him what sort of horse that we can breed in Australia.”

James Cummings with Godolphin's connections following Osborne Bulls win in the G2 The TAB Stakes

Troublesome start

Osborne Bulls has overcome a difficult start to life to have carved out a record of nine wins from 14 appearances.

“He suffered from an undiagnosed lameness in behind and he had 12 months off. “When he came back he wasn’t right so he had to be given him more time off,” Cummings said.

“He didn’t start racing until he was a late 3-year-old and he’s shot through the ranks to be a star in his own right.”

“He didn’t start racing until he was a late 3-year-old and he’s shot through the ranks to be a star in his own right.” – James Cummings.

Osborne Bulls stepped up to the big time two runs back in The Everest and he steamed home down the outside fence to finish third.

That performance and a word from the wise leading up to Saturday’s G2 The Tab S., had Cummings in an upbeat mood before the Flemington sprint and it wasn’t misplaced.

“It’s not often Hugh Bowman comes back after a gallop with a twinkle in his eye,” he said.

“We had confidence in The Everest form, even though he had to lump 59kg.”

Osborne Bulls came from well back in the running to account for Bons Away (Bon Hoffa), who was in receipt of five kilos.

“He was the best horse in the race and I thought he was my best ride of the day.” - Hugh Bowman.

“He was the best horse in the race and I thought he was my best ride of the day,” Bowman said. “His work here on Tuesday morning was outstanding.”

Osborne Bulls following his win in the G2 The TAB Stakes

Osborne Bulls remains in the mix for a start in next Saturday’s G1 VRC Classic, although the stable may rely on others to challenge for that title.

“We’ve got Home Of The Brave and Kementari so we’ll have to have a think about that,” Cummings said.

Bowman and Cummings, who also produced Best Of Days (GB) (Azamour {IRE}) to win the G1 Kennedy Mile, had earlier successfully combined with Ranier (Lonhro) in the G3 The Carbine Club S.

“I don't think we're out of our depth setting him for a race like the Australian Guineas back here in March.” – James Cummings.

“I don't think we're out of our depth setting him for a race like the Australian Guineas back here in March,” Cummings said.

“He's now put those two decent stakes races together and he's won a time-honoured race in the Carbine Club.

“The Carbine Club Stakes has been won by some great horses in the past and that puts a huge rap on this colt.”

Ranier’s win came off the back of his maiden success in the Listed Gothic S., at Caulfield.

“It means a lot to win on the first day of the carnival when the eyes of the world are on it and great to see the blue colours of Godolphin win.” – James Cummings.

“He’s a beautiful colt who was bred at Woodlands Stud,” Cummings said. “It means a lot to win on the first day of the carnival when the eyes of the world are on it and great to see the blue colours of Godolphin win.”

While Cummings was comfortable running Ranier over a mile for the first time, rider Bowman admitted to having reservations.

“James had it in his head that he wanted to test the horse at this distance," he said. “It will open up so many options for him in the autumn.

“He’s obviously a very good horse and full credit to James. He’s matured so much this preparation and he deserved to win.”