Traffic Warden right for 2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes

Posted by RS NewsWire at 8:21pm on October 27th

Godolphin trainer James Cummings says the availability of a jump-out at Flemington will not hinder the Group 1 aspirations of Traffic Warden on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Traffic Warden contested an 800m jump-out at Flemington on Friday, a heat that had a number of potential opponents in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.

The Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained Yoshinobu won the jump-out with Traffic Warden in fourth place, just ahead of Switzerland.

Also in the jump-out were Coleman, Gatsby’s, Daggers and Stanley Express.

Traffic Warden made his way to Melbourne last week having been scratched from The Everest on October 19 after playing up in the gates.

“It’s only been a few days, but he’s travelled down to Melbourne and has settled in calmly,” Cummings said.

“He’s had a jump-out down the straight at Flemington which will fit him up for the Coolmore.

“Jamie Kah held the colt together nicely.

“We had him quite fit and ready to go for The Everest and he didn’t need too much in the way of a lung burner, so he just had a good look around and he did so.”

Traffic Warden hasn’t raced since finishing second to Broadsiding in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 28.

At his start prior, Traffic Warden scored a first-up win in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m).

Victorious in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington in the autumn, Traffic Warden then ran fourth in the Group 1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill.

Godolphin had the option of pressing on towards the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in which Broadsiding ran fourth, but Cummings thought the Coolmore Stud Stakes was a better option for the colt.

“The form through the Run To The Rose and the Golden Rose is outstanding, and the market had enormous respect for the horse in The Everest itself,” Cummings said.

“I thought his return in the Run To The Rose gave us the insight that we needed to see him be our Coolmore Stud Stakes horse and it’s been the target for him throughout the preparation.

“The Everest did not go the way you would like it, but you’ve got to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move on, which we have done, and we plan to have him perfect for the Coolmore.

“The jump-out up the straight is a really useful tool to have the horse ready for the Coolmore, so given that was only six days after The Everest, it is something of a blessing that we were able to utilise it in readiness for the weekend.”

More Racing News

Fresh Ron’s Finalflutter can win Bunbury Classic 2025 says Morton

Ron’s Finalflutter kicks off her potential WA Oaks campaign this Sunday at Bunbury, and trainer Dan Morton believes she has what it takes to deliver a strong performance fresh in the Listed Greenfields Lodge WA Breeders’ Classic (1200m). “I wouldn’t rule her out,” Morton said on Tabradio. “She’s got a lot...

Today

Paula Trenwith chases birthday gift at the Parks

Morphettville based Paula Trenwith could not think of a better present than that of winning a race on her birthday. Trenwith prepares a team of eight horses at Morphettville and has three runners at the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday, her birthday. Savatoff runs in the Happy 80th Birthday Glynn Pretty Handicap (1950m),...

Today

Oh baby: Newcastle mare out to finish on a career-high

If the upcoming Rosehill meeting were scheduled just one day later, in-form mare So Newchee Thinks would be ineligible to race. The daughter of So You Think is currently in foal to Starspangledbanner, and according to racing rules, her official cut-off date for competing is February 1, which coincides with...

Today

Price looking for Gold lining in the Southern Cross Stakes

Luke Price is the first to admit that Our Gold Hope will need both pace and luck to make an impact first-up in a black-type sprint, but he is equally confident she is in strong enough form to defy her outsider status. Priced at $61, the mare is set to start...

Today

Filly out to stamp G1 Blue Diamond Stakes credentials

Trainer Dominic Sutton is prioritizing the well-being of his horse over personal ambition as Victoria’s richest two-year-old race approaches. Sutton has Sword Of Legacy among the 81 youngsters still in contention for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 22. However, Sutton, who manages dual yards at...

Today

Important outing for Hearcomesthestar in the Bellmaine Stakes

Hearcomesthestar will be racing for more than just prize money when she steps out in a Stakes race at Sandown this Saturday. While finishing in the top three of the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) would be a bonus for connections, securing ‘Black Type’ is the primary goal. Trainer John...

Today

Grahame Begg mares to clash in Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes

Grahame Begg finds himself in a difficult position as he prepares to run two of his mares in a Stakes race at Sandown, a situation he acknowledges is not ideal. Both Miraval Rose and So Glamorous are set to compete in the Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. The...

Yesterday

Widden-born Flex chases G3 Widden Stakes win

Widden Stud may not have a runner carrying its famous silks in this weekend’s Rosehill race named in its honor, but the stud’s influence will still be felt in the $250,000 Group 3 Widden Stakes. Leading contender The Playwright is sired by Widden stallion Written By, while another runner, Mac Daddy...

Yesterday

Gear change for Blitzburg in G3 Canonbury Stakes

Trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou are hoping the addition of winkers will help Snitzel colt Blitzburg bounce back to winning form after an unsuccessful Magic Millions campaign. Originally named as the second emergency for the $3 million Magic Millions Classic, Blitzburg’s connections ultimately had to withdraw him due to a...

Yesterday

Ceolwulf leads home big guns in trial

Ceolwulf has sharpened up for his upcoming return in the Apollo Stakes with an impressive barrier trial victory at Warwick Farm, signaling a promising autumn campaign ahead. The dual Group 1 winner dictated the tempo in Thursday’s 1000m heat, cruising to the line unchallenged to defeat Via Sistina, a likely rival...

Yesterday