A tempo that is neither too strong nor too soft would be ideal for Matt Cumani’s stablemates at Flemington.
Trainer Matt Cumani says it is never ideal to have stablemates clash in a race, especially one at Flemington.
However, Cumani has been forced to run Blue Cup and Khoekhoe in the Henley and Villawood GFA House Plate (2000m) on Saturday and is looking for a race tempo that will suit both gallopers.
Khoekhoe is expected to be up near the front after leading throughout at Sandown over 2100m on May 21, so Cumani does not want a furious pace, whereas for Blue Cup he would like a solid enough tempo, so the gelding does not pull.
"It's a shame to have them in the same race, but that's the way it works out," Cumani said.
"I'm keen to try Khoekhoe again over that distance as I've got a race in mind for him, the VOBIS Gold at Caulfield over 2400 metres later in the winter.
"I want to give him one more start at 2000 metres before I try him at 2400 metres.
"It will be a bit different this race as there looks like there will be a lot of pressure on, so I'm not sure he will get his own way in front.
"It will be interesting to see how he performs in that."
Cumani said Blue Cup, who has only had three starts for his stable, was a complicated horse.
He said the stable has been able to alleviate his habit of pulling fiercely, but feared a soft tempo may bring him undone on Saturday.
First-up from a spell, Blue Cup finished fourth behind Altivo and French Emperor over 1600m at Flemington on May 20.
"Interestingly I have a good rider at home that has got him settled beautifully," Cumani said.
"She is not about strength or muscle, it's all about getting him to relax. He is a kind natured horse, so we took a lot of the gear off and have tried to get him to him.
"So, a lot of it will depend on the tempo. If they try and slow it down, he might get pulling, but the race looks like they will run it along which should suit him really well.
"It was an excellent first-up run and he will appreciate the extra distance."
