Matt Cumani is eager to see a much-improved performance from imported stayer Tempesti when he lines up in the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1800m) at Sandown this Saturday.
The Italian-bred galloper endured a horror Australian debut at Flemington in March, where he suffered a near-fatal injury after being galloped on mid-race. The incident left him with a deep wound that came within a millimetre of severing a tendon.
“It was a serious scare,” Cumani said. “If the injury had been a millimetre deeper, he might not have survived.”
Despite the setback, Tempesti has recovered well and recently won a 1300m jump-out at Ararat, restoring confidence ahead of his return to racing.
“He’s bounced back brilliantly and it’s a relief to have him back,” Cumani said.
Tempesti, a nine-time winner from 20 starts in Europe, was acquired by Cumani during a trip to Italy last year. The horse carries deep historical significance for Cumani, whose father Luca was born in Milan and whose racing family has strong ties to the legendary breeder Frederico Tesio.
“He’s a lovely horse with real historical significance,” Cumani said. “He ran in Tesio’s colours and comes from a highly respected bloodline.”
Saturday’s 1800m assignment is expected to be short of Tempesti’s ideal distance, but Cumani sees it as a crucial stepping stone toward a winter campaign targeting the Banjo Patterson Series and possibly The Bart Cummings (2500m) in October — a race that offers a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.
“He’s likely to be better over 2400 metres,” Cumani said. “Even in his first run, before the incident, he finished with good sectionals and showed staying potential.”
“He’s got a high rating so placing him can be tricky, but we’ll look to build through winter. If the rain comes, even better — he loves it wet.”