Cummings's triple treat for Champagne bid

Wednesday 24 April 2013, 3:57pm

Anthony Cummings will start a trio of youngsters in Saturday's Group One Champagne Stakes at Randwick, each with its own obstacles to overcome.

Cummings will saddle up fillies Scandiva and Diva Dee along with untapped colt Drago.

Scandiva is the most fancied of his runners after she finished second to Guelph in the Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m).

She just failed to cause a major boilover when she got the better of Golden Slipper heroine Overreach, only to be swamped late by the winner.

From the family of Black Caviar, Scandiva has drawn ideally in barrier five but Cummings's biggest query is the 1600 metres.

"When you look at her pedigree there is a chance it's going to be too far but we don't know that yet," he said.

"The way she finished the race off the other day gives us hope she will run it.

"Hopefully (jockey) Pete (Robl) can rate her well for the first part of the race and she can finish strongly over the last part."

Cummings's other two didn't fare as well at the barrier draw.

They came up with the two widest gates in the field of 14.

While it is unlikely to be a major disadvantage to Drago, whose racing pattern is to get back, it will make the task more difficult for Diva Dee.

She settled on the speed when fifth in last Saturday's Fernhill Handicap and needs to lift on her past few efforts.

Drago has caught the eye hitting the line late at his only two starts to date, most recently when fourth in the Sires' Produce.

Cummings has no doubt he will make a name for himself but he isn't sure whether it will be in Saturday's race.

"I'm a bit surprised he's got to this level so quickly," Cummings said.

"He's a nice horse and he's got a lot to offer.

"He will probably be our best three-year-old next season."

Guelph opened the $2.60 favourite with Scandiva at $7, Drago at $14 and Diva Dee a $71 chance.

– AAP

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