Cummings trio to test Villiers claims

The Villiers Stakes stocks of Anthony Cummings could soar or sink pending the performances of three of his Randwick runners on Saturday.

The summer feature is potentially on the agenda for last-start winner Paris Match, the enigmatic Drago and Surge Ahead who has not raced since the autumn.

The trio will contest separate races at the Kensington track meeting but could find themselves Villiers rivals in three weeks.

“They’re all still in the mix,” Cummings said.

“We’ll sit down on Sunday morning, see what the hell happened and work it out from there.”

Surge Ahead is the least favoured of the trio but arguably the most untapped.

A stakes-winning three-year-old, his autumn highlights included an Alister Clark Stakes placing behind Pheidon and a creditable sixth to Shamus Award in the Australian Guineas.

The stable opted to bypass the spring to give Surge Ahead time to mature.

“I think we’re probably at the beginning of what should be his best preparation. Hopefully it leads us in to something through the autumn,” Cummings said.

“He was a little bit behind the others in maturity and at Group One level last time but given the extra time in the paddock we’re hopeful he’s able to take that step.

“Equally, he’s a benchmark 70-something and he’s entitled to an opportunity to work through his grades and see exactly where he does fit.”

Surge Ahead is at double figure odds for his return in the Coolmore Handicap (1300m) and Cummings expects him to be better suited over longer distances.

However, he is a two-time winner at the trip and has a measure of class.

Paris Match is favourite for her assignment in the Swim Between The Flags Handicap while Drago is a $7.50 chance to end his 18-month drought from the winner’s list.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au

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