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| Staff Writer |
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After the race that cemented Anamoe's place in Godolphin lore, the stable's Australian trainer lavished praise on the Ladbrokes Cox Plate victor. By taking home the A$5 million first prize and putting himself up for a possible trip to Royal Ascot, Anamoe increased his Gr.1 win total to seven and became the all-time leader in that category for horses wearing the Godolphin blue. As a result, it was predictable that trainer James Cummings would want to gush about the James McDonald-ridden winner. However, he went farther than anybody could have guessed by declaring his hope that Australia's middle-distance champion will one day measure up to the greats of Europe's turf.
"I'm so proud for the horse," said Cummings, whose 7-5 favourite was roared home at Moonee Valley like a Cheltenham Festival banker.
"A friend of mine lent me some DVDs of the greats, showing horses like Nijinsky, Mill Reef, and Dancing Brave who have us looking longingly back at the past. "When I was watching those DVDs it wasn't lost on me that I have a horse in my care who I think has the potential to reach those heights. We've never had a Godolphin horse in Australia as good as Anamoe. He is our Dancing Brave. He is that special to us. We're so blessed to have him. He is a horse who humbles our entire team,” Cummings stated further.
A year after losing to State Of Rest by a nose, Anamoe won his biggest race ever. This time, it would be his name etched in stone; he took the lead at the top of the Valley's infamously short straight and held off the late charges of I'm Thunderstruck and El Bodegon, an import from Britain whose chances had been hurt by a sluggish start.
Cummings said,"Royal Ascot is realistic. El Bodegon has run a sensational race today, so the Cox Plate had an international flavour, plus Anamoe already had a bit of international credit after being noses away from beating State Of Rest last year when he was such an immature horse.”
"That all makes me feel it's not unreasonable for me to think I could take him overseas, although he still has the opportunity to win more and more Gr1s in his own backyard if he stays here. There would be no prouder person than me if he could jet overseas and win a good race, but he would have to be in as good form as he is now for me to consider it,” Cummings commented.