James Cummings weighing up options for Cylinder
James Cummings is contemplating Cylinder’s next move after the colt’s impressive jump-out at Flemington on Friday, weighing up the options of either sending him to Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning Stakes or aiming for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield the following week.
The son of Exceed And Excel displayed a strong performance, leaving the gates smoothly and comfortably striding alongside The Astrologist before hitting the line together.
“There are good trials, and there are good trials, and I think this was one of those,” Cummings said of Cylinder’s trial.
“It was beautiful work, he just popped away nicely, his last 400 metres was excellent.
“Stylish work against an older horse who’s up and fit in The Astrologist. Only a small heat, Espiona also appeared to be travelling well.”
Highlighting the significance of winning a Group 1, Cummings emphasized, “It has to be of paramount importance to his career, but he’s a really exciting horse and he’s placed in some of the big races already.
“It’ll be great to see him advance again and that’s what he’ll need to be doing to be beating the older horses this prep.
“He’ll get his opportunity … whether we kick him off in the Lightning or the Oakleigh Plate might just depend on how we feel about the horse next week.
“If he does line up in the Lightning, he’ll be running well.”