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The Godolphin stable is looking for more Group success in Tasmania with the Tasmanian Oaks and Launceston Cup next on the agenda.
Godolphin is eager to build on its initial Tasmanian success, having won the Tasmanian Derby and Strutt Stakes at Elwick in Hobart with its first Tasmanian starters Cossetot and Rock Dove earlier this month.
That double success has resulted in Godolphin trainer James Cummings entering talented stayer Etymology in next Wednesday’s $250,000 TAB Launceston Cup (2400m) at Mowbray.
Rock Dove was relocated from stables near Hobart to the Nancy Stubbs stable at Longford last week to prepare for the Oaks.
Etymology adds more depth to a strong G3 Launceston Cup, having won his past three starts in Sydney and Melbourne.A G1 Victoria Derby placegetter as a 3YO, Etymology has regained top form with a vengeance with strong staying wins in the Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day and the Australia Day Stakes (2400m) at Warwick Farm on January 28.
Godolphin assistant trainer Necim Dilmi, who has been in charge of the Tasmanian team, confirmed that Etymology is set to join Rock Dove in Launceston.“Etymology had a solid track gallop at Flemington on Monday and will head to Tasmania for the Launceston Cup,” Dilmi said.
“It is because of the success of the three-year-olds that James had another look at the Tasmanian calendar and decided the Launceston Cup would be an ideal race for Etymology.“He is a classy stayer and will be suited to the Launceston Cup.”
Dilmi said Rock Dove had emerged in great order from her Strutt Stakes win.
“Rock Dove has thrived since her Strutt Stakes win and we are really looking forward to the Oaks,” Dilmi said.“She has settled into Nancy Stubbs’ Longford stable really well.”
Rock Dove was taken to Mowbray for a track gallop on Tuesday with her Oaks rider Brendon McCoull driving from Hobart to ride the filly in her work.Derby winner Cossetot is booked to return to Godolphin’s Sydney stables on Wednesday.
The Oaks entries include the Strutt Stakes placegetters Our Long Sali and True Magic, Derby runner-up Glass Warrior and Victorian and Adelaide nominations Miss Five Hundred, Naomi, Fast And Ready, Grabbing Glory and Khanion Bay.Entries close today for the Launceston Cup.
