Cummings Out To Continue Family Tradition In Kingston Town

Posted on December 8, 2017December 8, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

The tradition is set to continue at Ascot on Saturday when James Cummings saddles up top hope It’ s Somewhat in the $1 million Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m).

Cummings, head supremo of Godolphin’s Australian racing empire, has an indelible family link to Western Australia’s premier weight-for-age feature.

Cummings is a fourth-generation trainer from Australian racing royalty, following in the footsteps of his great grandfather, the late Jim Cummings, his iconic grandfather, the late Bart Cummings and father Anthony Cummings, who has formed a partnership with his brother, Edward.

The 29-year-old Cummings is optimistic he can take out the final Group 1 event of the Australian year and join Bart Cummings on the Kingston Town honour roll after his grandfather prepared Stormy Rex and Bounty Hawk to victory in 1977 and 1983 respectively.

The winner of the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick in April, It’s Somewhat is bursting to break through after back-to-back placings in Melbourne during the spring carnival.

The seven-year-old ran third to Lucky Hussler in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley and filled the same placing behind Tosen Stardom in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 11.

Cummings said It’s Somewhat, who boasts a record of nine wins from 36 starts, was on track and primed for the Kingston Town Classic after he posted a soft 1200m trial win at Belmont last week.

“He has been targeted for this race his whole preparation,” Cummings told TABradio’s The Sports Daily.

“We are very happy with him and the way he has gone ahead since the Emirates Stakes last month.

“We’ve identified that he does enjoy being kept on the fresh side, but he nevertheless is a tough weight for age horse who is tough to get past.

“I like the fact he looked gone several times in that race (Emirates Stakes), but kept fighting and you would never have guessed that at the 350.

“I’ve held him back in the spring to target this race and he will be ready.”

Brenton Avdulla retains the ride on It’s Somewhat after their association in the Emirates Stakes.  They combine from barrier 11.

It’s Somewhat, second favourite behind Black Heart Bart in the Kingston Town, can cap a massive day for the Cummings team with Gaulois rated a strong chance to take out the Tabtouch-Sir Ernest Lee Steere Classic (1400m).

The Street Cry colt remained in Perth after running on strongly from a wide barrier in the WA Guineas (1600m), finishing a sound fourth behind Perfect Jewel.

“I would love to see a little more go his way,” Cummings said.

“It looks like unfolding that way and he should get a nice run.

“He has bounced through the Guineas well and we are delighted with his energy levels.”