Cummings’ Great Run With Babies Continues
James Cummings continued his outstanding record in two-year-old races in Melbourne this season, landing his fourth individual winner when Picarones took out the opening race at Caulfield.
Cummings has already had juvenile success with Paulele, Ingratiating and Anamoe and in total, the Godophin trainer has saddled up 31 two-year-old runners and has trained seven winners.
Picarones sat wide and off the speed and champion jockey Damien Oliver timed his run to perfection, bringing her home down the middle of the track to win her debut.
Oliver said the filly put in a good effort but was green during the race.
“She’s been pretty straightforward until today but she got a bit lost,” Oliver said.
“I like the way she responded and it was a good, tough effort. She was a bit ‘new’ but I think she’ll take a lot from that and improve.”
Oliver said Picarones probably rated behind the Godoplphin colts he has ridden this season in Anamoe and Ingratiating, who both took out races during the spring.
“She’s probably not quite up to the two nice colts I rode in the spring. She’s not far behind them,” Oliver said.
Picarones ($5) defeated Crazy Ladies ($7) by a length with Sunfall ($9.50) another 1-1/4 lengths away third.
The winner is named after a Peruvian dessert which has been likened to a donut.
Picarones is by Shooting To Win out of Group Three-winning mare Anise who is a daughter of General Nediym.