By Isaac Murphy
James Cummings and the Godolphin team have rounded out a successful day of racing with Manicure scoring an impressive on pace victory in the Listed Nudgee Stakes over 1200m.
After a few setbacks with injury the mare was racing first up since April, in just her seventh race start.
Godolphin General Manager Vin Cox said the mare had the runs on the board but praised the entire stable to produce the result first up.
“She ran second to Houtzen in P.J.Bell in April so we knew if she could bring that form with her she was a big chance but there were also a lot of unknowns,” he said.
“To come off such a long spell and travel to Brisbane to win a listed race is a huge effort by all the team.”
“It’s onwards and upwards to the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares now.”
Cox said the day had delivered everything and more for the James Cummings team with Tally winning the Shootout Handicap earlier on the card.
“We came here today hoping to get a black type win and we’ve left with two, I couldn’t be happier,” he said.
Veteran Hoop Larry Cassidy scored the ride on the talented manicure and was building a short but impressive resume with Godolphin.
“I’ve got a perfect record with Godolphin now, two from two,” Cassidy laughed.
“Every time you put your leg over a Godolphin horse you know you’re going to be a huge chance.”
“I can’t thank James Cummings and the team enough for giving me another ride.”
Cassidy said it was a pre-race plan to ride the mare positively and the race fell into his hands nicely.
“I wanted to push forward on her early and put a little pressure of Gai’s horse (Our Crown Mistress) and when we ended up outside the leader she came back under me nicely before giving a good kick,” he said.
“I’d love to stay on going forward, she’ll only improve on that, but the decision is up to the stable.”