James Cummings, the head trainer for Godolphin, has made the surprising decision to remain in Sydney this weekend despite having three Group One contenders in Melbourne. His reason? The much-anticipated return of star colt Broadsiding.

Winner of the Golden Rose and an impressive third-place finisher in the Cox Plate, Broadsiding is set to launch his autumn campaign in Saturday’s Hobartville Stakes (1400m). With the colt being a crucial part of Darley’s stallion roster, Cummings has opted to oversee his return firsthand.

“I’ll stay in Sydney despite having Group Ones in Melbourne because he’s such an important horse. I want to be there in person to see how he begins his preparation,” Cummings said.

“I have a really good feeling about how he’s progressing. He’s come back strongly, but race day is the true test. The challenge will be handling the pressure against rivals who have had more time to mature.”

Broadsiding will be facing in-form runners such as Public Attention and Linebacker, who ran first and second in the recent Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m).

While connections of all three horses are eyeing Group 1 contests, Broadsiding’s exact pathway remains undecided. His next assignment is locked in as the Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 8, which will help determine his autumn campaign.

Options beyond that include the Rosehill Guineas (2000m), George Ryder Stakes (1500m), Doncaster Mile (1600m), and the All Aged Stakes (1400m).

“He’s a very versatile horse,” Cummings explained. “We could stick to age-restricted races like the Rosehill Guineas or take him to open contests like the George Ryder and Doncaster.”

Cummings has previously won the Hobartville Stakes with Anamoe (2022), Kementari (2018), and Hallowed Crown (2015), the latter trained alongside his legendary grandfather Bart.