Beaten as an odds-on favourite in the Randwick Guineas, Broadsiding has given James Cummings every reason to believe he can redeem himself in the middle leg of Sydney’s three-year-old triple crown.
In a race that unfolded at a faster pace than expected, the colt couldn’t catch Linebacker at Randwick, finishing second, just half a length behind the winner.
Despite the loss, Cummings believes the demanding run has set Broadsiding up perfectly for his next challenge in Saturday’s Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
“While he lost the race on the day, I thought he ran very well, and the fast pace has brought him right on,” Cummings said. “He has been absolutely humming, Broadsiding, since that Randwick Guineas, and he should be perfectly fit for ten furlongs now.”
Godolphin had the option to shorten Broadsiding’s distance and compete against older horses at weight-for-age in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m). However, Cummings felt the opportunity to race against his own age group at set weights was too appealing to pass up.
Cummings is also eager to test the colt over 2000 metres for only the second time in his career. Broadsiding’s previous attempt at the distance saw him finish third behind Via Sistina and Japan’s Prognosis in the Cox Plate.
“He ran very quick time in the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in October, despite being beaten ten lengths by Via Sistina, who was just airborne that day,” Cummings said. “It took two very good, world-class horses to beat him home.”
“We’re not shying away from 2000 metres in March against his own age. I suspect he gets his opportunity to demonstrate some of his class at 2000 metres, and it’s a great test of class, that distance, so the set-up was of great appeal to us.”
Broadsiding has been backed into $1.90 favouritism for the Rosehill Guineas, ahead of Randwick Guineas third-placegetter Swiftfalcon ($5), Victoria Derby winner Goldrush Guru ($5.50), and the lone filly in the race, Aeliana ($7).