With a preparation that has gone like clockwork combined with the benefits of a steady, patient approach, Anamoe will get every chance to reaffirm his status as Sydney’s latest weight-for-age star at Randwick.
The Godolphin four-year-old signalled his spring intentions with a brilliant first-up win in the Winx Stakes and trainer James Cummings has him progressing “beautifully” towards his next target, Saturday’s Group 1 George Main Stakes (1600m).
“I’ve taken my time with him. He hasn’t run for a month but he’s a wonderful, natural athlete who’ll appreciate the gap between first and second-up runs,” Cummings said.
“He enjoyed the seven (furlongs, 1400m) first-up, so stepping to a mile is ideal.
“Everything this preparation has gone beautifully so this will be very instructive this weekend.”
Anamoe had an interrupted build up last spring when he contracted a virus but still managed to win the Caulfield Guineas and finish runner-up in the Golden Rose and Cox Plate.
Redemption in Australia’s weight-for-age championship is the goal this year and he can cement his position at the top of Cox Plate markets with another high-class performance at Randwick where he clashes with All Star Mile winner and Cox Plate second favourite Zaaki.
James McDonald is the regular rider of both horses but has chosen to partner Anamoe in the George Main Stakes and Cummings says his booking is key.
“James understands the horse very well and has the superior jockey ratings at the moment,” Cummings said.
“It’s only fitting he’s on Anamoe, he’s won three Group 1s on the horse so let’s hope he can continue.”
The George Main has attracted a typically high-class field that includes Winx Stakes runner-up Fangirl, who is looking to continue trainer Chris Waller’s recent dominance in the race, along with multiple Group 1 winners Montefilia and Duais and exciting entire Profondo.
