Precedence aiming at another Cup tilt
THE Bart and James Cummings-trained Precedence is preparing towards yet another tilt at the Melbourne Cup on November 3.
The 10-year-old is a Melbourne Cup veteran with four runs and last year it produced its best run for sixth behind Protectionist.
Precedence went to the trials yesterday at Randwick where jockey Glyn Schofield took the mount. It was given an easy time by Schofield in a trial won by Group 1 winner Cosmic Endeavour.
“He’s a happy horse,” co-trainer James Cummings said.
“He loves his work and enjoys being in the stables.
“He is that popular amongst the staff that we mistakenly doubled-up this year on his birthday with two cakes turning-up.”
Precedence isn’t guaranteed a spot in the 2015 Melbourne Cup and will have to impress the handicappers or win a qualifying race.
“He will kick off in the Chelmsford and he’ll be nommed for the Metropolitan,” Cummings said.
“But there is also the Bart Cummings which is run on the same day this year so that is an option as well.”
The aptly-named Group 3 Bart Cummings will carry an automatic qualification for the Melbourne Cup, the first year since its inclusion into Racing Victoria’s schedule.
“I know there are plenty of big races on the calendar but I can tell you that nothing compares to the Melbourne Cup. It’s just the best race,” Cummings said.
The globetrotting Red Cadeaux is also expected to join Precedence as a 10-year-old in the Cup and is looking to go one better than in 2011, 2013 and 2014 where it finished runner-up.