By Gary Harley
In recent years James Cummings has chosen the spacious Newcastle track to kick off the careers of subsequent Group 1 stars Cylinder and Broadsiding and on Saturday he will send another promising two-year-old Gaeilge to the Newcastle Racecourse to contest the opening event the 900 metre Bonvilla Estate 2YO Maiden Handicap.
The son of Exceed And Excel is resuming from a spell after two starts during the Spring.
He debuted in The Kirkham at Randwick on October 26 and after displaying genuine speed to lead he was run down and beaten half a length by stablemate Comedy.
Godolphin trainer James Cummings (Pic: Bradley Photos).
On November 9 Gaeilge contested the $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill and he was trapped three wide with no cover when beaten four lengths. He has had one quiet trial on the bit at Rosehill on February 3 and the short course event is ideal first up with Jean Van Overmeire in the saddle.
The kiwi bred Rolling Magic, a close and gallant third in the Rosehill Four Pillars in his last start in November, resumes in the final event the 1250 metre Connectability Benchmark 68 Handicap.
Originally allocated 62.5 kilograms, the Richard and Will Freedman trained 4-year-old will carry 59.5 kilograms with top apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald’s claim. The gelding has had two recent trials and was not ridden out to the line when beaten two lengths in an open Rosehill trial on February 3.
Rolling Magic has had 8 starts for 3 wins and 3 placings and he has a win and a second from three Newcastle starts.
Short course specialist Akaka Falls can atone for an unlucky defeat last start on this track when he steps out in the 900 metre Prosperity Advisers Group Australia Benchmark 64 Handicap.
The 7-year-old had not started for two months when he drew the rails barrier in a 900 metre Benchmark 64 on this track on January 21. In a field of seven he was last to leave the barriers and well back on straightening.
Apprentice Mitch Stapleford stuck to the rail down the straight and he persevered for a run inside the winner in the closing stages. Akaka Falls flashed late but went down by a head.
Stapleford protested against the winner Movin Denman for interference in the straight, but the protest was dismissed.
The apprentice has the mount again and the Brad Widdup’s gelding will carry 60.5 kilograms after the claim. Akaka Falls record over 900 metres stands at 3 wins and 3 placings from 7 starts and he has two wins and two seconds on this track.
Warwick Farm filly She Swings, responsible for an eye-catching performance on debut on her home track on January 27 makes the trip to Newcastle to contest the 1200 metre Webber Architects Midway Maiden Handicap.
On debut she dropped out to last ten lengths off the lead and the filly was still last on the turn. She stormed home down the outside to miss by .69 of a length.
She Swings will appreciate the longer trip and is another good ride for Jean Van Overmeire.
Our Uptown Girl placed at Warwick Farm last start will appreciate the longer trip in the 1600 metre Integrated Environmental Management Australia Class 1 Handicap. The mare was last to the turn in a small field last start but ran on strong late. Her only win was at Newcastle in April.
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Newcastle meeting