When last Saturday’s Kembla Grange meeting fell victim to the heat, trainers wanted one race saved - the two-year-old maiden because of its implications for the rest of the autumn.
James Cummings said he rang Racing NSW asking for it to be moved, so Villa Carlotta could start her career and was delighted when it became the ATC Staff Recognition Day Handicap at Royal Randwick on Wednesday.
“It would have been disappointing for a lot of horses if we lost this race,” Cummings said. “Racing NSW did a great job with what was happening to make the right decisions. It is an important time of the year with two-year-olds and I think this race will show that.”
Villa Carlotta ($7 on TAB fixed odds), like favourite Alizee ($1.65), is a recent impressive barrier trial winner and Cummings has held a good opinion of her since she came into the stable. Villa Carlotta is another filly that Winx’s breeder John Camilleri was bred and he was that impressed he retained her.
“The race is really about Alizee, it is a $26 chance in the Golden Slipper that tells you that it must be particular good,” Cummings said. “We are just there doing our best.
“We are happy with our filly. She is owned by John Camilleri who thought she was good one when he send her to me and she has progressed well. She trialled well and it is time to go to the races. It is a good time to be starting because there are plenty of options for her.”
It has been a big week for Cummings as wife Monica gave birth to the couple’s second child Harvey, a brother to Adeline.