Epidemic to uphold family form in Queensland

In-form filly Epidemic has the opportunity to enhance both her own record and add to her family’s already impressive standing when she runs in the Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, 2 June.

Epidemic is a sister to Impending, who last week staged a superb performance to win the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Doomben, the second G1 success of his career.

While Impending has been adding to his already impressive reputation on a barnstorming farewell tour before retiring to stud, Epidemic (Larry Cassidy) has done her bit, winning her past two starts in Sydney.

The three-year-old daughter of Lonhro meets a strong field of fillies on Saturday, but a good draw and her impeccable form have trainer James Cummings anticipating a forward showing.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for her to gain a Black Type win while she’s in such good form,” Cummings said.

“The way she’s been hitting the line this campaign suggests she will be very competitive, even on a rain-affected track.

“She’s in excellent form coming off two, Saturday-class wins in Sydney and she’s drawn well in a big field.”

On the same card, the former French-trained gelding Spectroscope (Damian Browne) is looking for a return to form in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap.

Spectroscope hasn’t been far away at four runs this time in and ran on nicely last start when fourth, less than a length form the winner Sheiswhatsheis, in similar class at Doomben three weeks ago.

Despite having 200m less to run on Saturday, Cummings is hoping the likelihood of a faster pace over the shorter trip will suit the five-year-old.

“We’ve dropped him back in distance to keep mixing it up in an effort to get him back to form after being without a win for 12 months,” the trainer said.

“He’s had a solid campaign this time in with a number of good performances without troubling the scorer."

“He appears to be very well and should be very fit coming back to the 1,400m here.”