Alzora to appreciate dry ground in Cup

Tuesday 20 May 2014, 4:26pm

Having Alzora on firmer ground for the first time since she joined his stable has Anthony Cummings expecting a sharp turnaround in the mare's fortunes.

Cummings is adamant Alzora's form since taking up residence at Randwick should make for better reading than three unplaced runs and he is certain the mare can prove him right in the McKell Cup (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.

"She will improve a lot with firmer footing and on her work I'm expecting her to run very well," Cummings said.

A Listed and Group Three winner during her time with David Hayes, Alzora had her first start for Cummings in the Emancipation Stakes on a rain-affected surface at Rosehill on April 5.

Her late finish into fourth in the JRA Plate at Randwick at her next start was enough to earn her an Adelaide trip.

But Cummings said Alzora gave away too much start in the Centaurea Stakes at Morphettville in which she finished midfield behind Blue Ribbon.

"She got too far back and simply had too much to do," Cummings said.

Cummings has secured Sam Clipperton for the McKell ride, despite the in-form apprentice being unable to use his 1.5kg claim because of the Cup's Listed status.

Clipperton holds a six-win lead over Damien Thornton in the race for Sydney junior riders' honours in 2013/2014 but he will miss two city meetings after Saturday because of suspension.

He will come out of his time with Randwick trainer Ron Quinton in July but he seems assured of immediate opportunities as a senior rider after a solid run of form.

A double at Scone last Friday included a timely victory for Darley on Cameo in the Scone Cup, putting him on 18 city wins for the season.

Cummings has Federica entered in a 2000-metre race against her own age after the filly over-reacted in blinkers in the Scone Guineas on Saturday.

"It might have been a bit ambitious bringing her back from a mile and I might put winkers on instead of blinkers next," Cummings said.

Federica has been entered for the Queensland Oaks in which her stablemate Paris Match is a $15 chance with Nash Rawiller confirmed to ride.

– AAP

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