Edward Cummings has continued the Cummings family dominance in the Adrian Knox Stakes, as he wins the race for the second time in three years with Arts, and makes it four straight wins for the family, with his brother James winning the other two.
The race favourite and James Cummings-trained Sequestered looked to have the race on her terms as she settled behind the leader and peeled of its back with 250m to go, however, Arts for Anthony Cummings exploded on the outside with a blistering turn of foot to power over the top of her and record a dominant 4.2 length victory.
This three-year-old daughter of Xtravagant was only at her third race start in the Group 2 Adrian Knox Stakes, after winning on debut at Kembla Grange in a maiden, before going to the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic where she finished 12th of 12.
After that performance in the Kembla Grange Classic, Arts wasn’t fancied by many, as she went around at massive odds ($26) with online bookmakers.
Although Arts had never seen a Heavy track, she powered through the wet track, and she has put her name up in lights going into the Australian Oaks in seven days time.
2023 Adrian Knox Stakes Replay – Arts
After Arts’ dominant win in the Adrian Knox Stakes, Edward Cummings spoke post-race about the win and what was next for his talented filly.
“I’ve got to say it probably did surprise me how well she sprinted at the end of that race given that she seemed to be very well on the bridle all the way through,” Cummings said.
“But a great sign, not only for her, obviously fabulous for the stable and in particular I’ve got to say a great result for Newhaven Park who have been big supporters of mine.
“She arrived midway through last year, she just needed a little introductory preparation or two before we started getting serious.
“We felt like she was a nice horse from early on but it was always just going to be a matter of time.
“She’s arguably, if not certainly, the most lightly raced horse in the field and we’re very excited about what she could possibly do.
“Hopefully in seven days (the Oaks) but we’ll take our time too.”
Sam Clipperton picked up his first winner of The Championships for 2023, and he may have just picked up a ride in The Oaks next Saturday after his win on Arts.
“I rode this filly at Kembla (Grange) in her first start and gee she gave me a lovely feel,” Clipperton said.
“Ed Cummings knows how to prepare a three-year-old filly over that classic distance, and I think he’s got another nice one.
“The race wasn’t run to suit, they went steady.
“She was over doing things back in the ruck on the heavy track, so the way she let down was pretty impressive.
“Provided she pulls up well through the week I’m sure she’ll be very competitive next week (in the Oaks).”
Arts in now the third favourite at $6 in the Australian Oaks futures market with online betting sites.
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