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Godolphin trio at peak for Coolmore Classic

Mike Hedge

A trio of talented and improving Godolphin fillies bid for a G1 prize that is within each of their capabilities in Saturday’s Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.

Manicure, Savatiano and Pohutukawa take on formidable opposition in a race bound to consist of a maximum field of 20 runners and one in which wide barriers won’t assist their prospects, but trainer James Cummings is satisfied each is ready to produce its best.

Manicure comes to the race having been placed at her three starts since winning a Listed race at 1,200m in Brisbane in December, her latest effort a creditable third behind Alassio and Dixie Blossoms, who she meets again on Saturday.

“Manicure gives herself the opportunity to prove how strong she can be at the end of 1,500 metres,” Cummings said.

“She’s completely wound up for this and with solid performances over 1,400 metres in Group races where she hasn’t been far away, she’s earned herself the opportunity to compete down in the weights.”

Savatiano continued her consistent form when second to Princess Posh in race record time in the G3 Newcastle Newmarket at her latest start.

“Savatiano will proceed on an eight-day backup after a brave second placing in the Newcastle Newmarket,” he said.

“It took a race record finish from Princess Posh to gun her down, and being only second-up on that occasion, she ‘ll be able to demonstrate further improvement third-up in a target race.”

A start in the Coolmore is in the balance for Pohutukawa who is the fourth reserve for the race, but should she gain a start, Cummings is confident she can run well.

“She hasn’t had clear air since William Buick won on her at Flemington in the spring,” he said.

“It will be wonderful to see this filly get the opportunity in a handicap like the Coolmore Classic on the way through to some three-year-old fillies’ targets.”