The James Cummings-trained Thermosphere will chase the major spoils in the G2 Darley Furious S. while Anthony and Sam Freedman’s Hanseatic will take on the older horses in the G2 Mittys McEwen S.
Thermosphere won twice during her first preparation, including a success in the G3 Magic Night S. which stamped her as a quality filly and she was turned out after an unplaced run in the G1 Golden Slipper S.
She was given a couple of quiet trials before resuming in the G2 Silver Shadow S. and closed well to finish runner-up behind Dame Giselle (I Am Invincible), on whom she will be attempting to turn the tables on Saturday.
Watch: Thermosphere trial on August 22
“I thought she was close to another stakes win before her first-up run and as it turned out, she couldn’t have gone much closer,” Cummings said.
Thermosphere is sure to strip fitter with the benefit of her fresh outing and shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the prospect of improved footing, having won the Magic Night on a firm surface.
“Thermosphere will need to be up to the task here back to set weights and on top of the ground, which makes this race another excellent test,” Cummings said.
Quality 2YO form
Hanseatic was a class act last season with a debut win in the Listed Merson Cooper S. followed by victory in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview.
He then claimed the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude before finishing powerfully for second in the G1 Blue Diamond S. and like Thermosphere was spelled after failing to figure in the Golden Slipper finish.
Sam Freedman said the prospect of a genuinely-run race in the McEwen would boost Hanseatic’s chances.
Hanseatic (blue silks)
“There are some high-speed horses in the race, but it looks like being a small field, so we’re satisfied that will suit a horse with his turn of foot.
“He can be keen in his races, but a strong pace should allow him to get into a good rhythm. We haven’t asked a lot of him in his jump-outs, he's a horse that does well fresh.”
Group 1 pair to resume
Cummings will also kick off the spring campaigns at Randwick of Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) in the G2 Heineken Chelmsford S. and Colette (Hallowed Crown) in the G2 Drinkwise Tramway S.
Avilius added to his Group 1 record in the autumn with sound placings in the Ranvet S. and the Tancred S. and has trialled twice ahead of resuming.
“We have afforded Avilius an extra couple of weeks to prepare him for his first-up run and he’s showing the benefit,” Cummings said.
“He enjoyed himself in an exhibition gallop between races at Rosehill last Saturday and his coat has cleaned up a little more.
“We feel we are building the right program for him. I think he can run well first-up and get his campaign off to a great start.”
“I think he can run well first-up and get his campaign off to a great start.” – James Cummings
Colette was the star staying filly through the autumn with four wins on the bounce and culminating in the G1 ATC Oaks, but is now facing a whole new ball game.
“She has challenges before her as a 4-year-old. She’s going well, but has to defy history to some extent this spring to prove herself better than many recent Oaks winners.”
Cummings said Colette had spelled well, but may find others too sharp over Saturday’s distance and had yet to confirm her future targets.
“She’s returned from her spell a stronger-bodied mare who might nevertheless find herself out of her comfort zone over the 1400 metres.
“There’s a smorgasbord of options for her this spring, which of them we choose will become clearer in time.”
