Cummings confirms Tassort out of Slipper

Godolphin has officially ruled out a G1 Golden Slipper start for the talented Tassort with the stable preferring to take no risks with the colt who suffered a minor injury in training last week.

Tassort had been favourite for the $3.5 million race since scoring a five-length debut win at Rosehill in late November and finishing second on a wet track in the G2 Silver Slipper at his next outing.

Trainer James Cummings informed stewards on Saturday that Tassort would not be among the final acceptors for the Slipper.

“Since I informed Racing NSW stewards on Monday that Tassort would be a 50/50 chance to run in the Golden Slipper we have monitored the horse closely,” Cummings said.

“He has failed to make the required improvement to be confident that I could prepare him properly for the race. Consequently, I have advised Racing NSW stewards this morning that the colt will be spelled immediately.”

The son of Brazen Beau had been progressing nicely toward the Golden Slipper when he suffered a bruised foot which was reported to stewards last week.

Cummings had initially planned to run Tassort in today’s G2 Todman Stakes and once that was ruled out, he gave thought to running in next week’s G2 Pago Pago Stakes.

That option has now been removed and the colt will be rested ahead of a spring campaign. 

Whilst there is disappointment in Tassort missing the Golden Slipper, Godolphin have at least two more outstanding prospects for the race with Magic Millions 2YO Classic winning filly Exhilarates, who is running at Randwick today and last-start G2 Skyline winner Microphone.