The jockey admitted the trainer knew best as Man From Uncle made an early case for inclusion as one of the brighter prospects among Sydney’s autumn three-year-old ranks.
Man From Uncle attracted $21 to $14 support and overcome the worst run in the race to land an Eskimo Prince Stakes win that jockey Jason Collett didn’t see coming.
Collett sheepishly bowed to trainer Anthony Cummings’ judgment after Man From Uncle resumed to beat Guard Of Honour ($5) by a neck.
“I trialled the horse but I thought he might be one run short first-up,” Collett said.
“Obviously Anthony knows better than I do.
“There’s no doubt about him, he seems to have a knack for producing a horse like this out of nowhere at carnival time.”
Man From Uncle returned in the Group Three race after a brief spring campaign ended with a Listed placing during the Melbourne Cup carnival.
“Flemington was a challenge for him because he lost his focus a few times,” Cummings said.
“But he came through the experience well and it’s helped make him.”
Cummings says next month’s Randwick Guineas will be an ideal introduction to Group One racing for Man From Uncle.
“He is a horse with a really bright future in that I think he will be a Group One horse at a mile.”
Cummings’ plan for Man From Uncle sets up an early autumn clash with Prized Icon, the Victoria Derby winner trained by his son James.
Prized Icon galloped between races at Randwick on Saturday and will start his autumn in the Hobartville Stakes before tackling the Guineas.
They will also be Man From Uncle’s next starts and Collett expects the three-year-old to be even better suited.
“He’s got a lovely long, loping stride and he gives you the feel a mile and even further will be his best distance,” Collett said.