Conditions suit Hartnell in G1 Epsom Handicap

A handy weight and some encouraging work on the training track has influenced trainer James Cummings to give Hartnell his chance in Saturday’s G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick in which he is joined by stablemate Duca Valentinois.

Hartnell (Hugh Bowman) is the best-performed member of the local stable and the eight-year-old has been doing battle at the top level with good results for the past four seasons.

While he would normally have been weighted out of races like the Epsom, he has a relatively comfortable 57kg (9 stone) to carry on Saturday.

The conditions led to the Epsom being selected ahead of the G2 Hill Stakes on the same program. 

“He was also entered for the Hill Stakes, but we thought he was nicely weighted here,” Cummings said.

“We’re also happier to keep him to the mile. It looks a better option than the 2000m.”

“He’s been sharp in his work, very strong.”

“Third-up at this trip he’s going to be right at the peak of his fitness and it would be great to see him win another good race.”

“Both our horses are in great shape.”

While Hartnell has been competing well at G1 level, Duca Valentinois (Glyn Schofield) comes to the Epsom after two runs back in lesser races.

A G3 winner in Queensland before going for a spell, Duca Valentinois had his comeback spoiled by interference and was then a handy fourth in a G3 race at his latest outing.

“He got smashed sideways at his first run back,” Cummings said.

“Second up he showed more of the willingness he’s been displaying in his work this time in.”

In a quality Epsom field, the hardest to beat shapes as the progressive four-year-old Pierata.