Osbourne Bulls faces “interesting” Lightning Stakes test
GODOLPHIN head trainer James Cummings admitted there’s a level of uncertainly around star sprinter Osborne Bulls heading into this weekend’s the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
The Godolphin gelding resumes following a breakthrough win at Group 2 level in the TAB Stakes on Derby Day, and while a perfect record of three wins from as many first-up attempts suggests he could go well his trainer isn’t putting any expectations on his shoulders.
“He tackles the five furlongs for the first time and at weight-for-age and at Group One level it’s a very interesting test, even for such a talented young sprinter,” Cummings said
“His opposition also look better suited over more distance.”
Osborne Bulls is at $6 to win the Lightning Stakes with online bookmaker BetEasy.
Cummings is optimistic however that winning the TAB Stakes at Flemington will play into Osborne Bulls hands.
“We’re hoping that his one-from-one record down the straight will be an advantage.”
Another Godolphin runner getting back to Flemington straight is highly rated prospect Microphone.
Microphone is three weeks removed from his second placed finish behind I Am Immortal in the Blue Diamond Preview for colts and geldings at Caulfield on Australia Day, but prior to that run he had scored in sensational fashion on debut down the straight at Flemington.
Cummings believes Microphone will relish the return to Flemington.
“He’ll enjoy getting back to the straight track here,” he said
“His form is quite strong and he looks well-suited.“He’s still improving, he’s thrived between runs and is capable of going ahead on his Blue Diamond Preview form.”
The last of Godolphin’s big chances is the hat-trick seeking Pohutukawa in Randwick’s feature, the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m).
Pohutukawa resumes in the Light Fingers after rounding out last preparation with two wins at Flemington and Warwick Farm and Cummings thinks she can cause an upset at odds.
“She was rewarded for her solid preparation in the spring with a Stakes victory at Flemington.”
“She looks to have coped with that step up in class quite comfortably.”
Pohutukawa is at $15 via online bookmaker Sportsbet to win the Light Fingers Stakes.
The Goldophin team have kept Pohutukawa in work heading into this weekend’s resumption which Cummings said will hold her in good stead.
“Her trials have suggested that she’s just getting warmed up at this distance and she’ll certainly be well suited as a strong finisher at Randwick.”