Godolphin’s leading trainer, James Cummings, has decided to remain in Sydney rather than travel to Melbourne for Group One races, as he is eager to oversee the return of top colt Broadsiding.

The Golden Rose champion and Cox Plate placegetter will kick off his autumn campaign in Saturday’s Hobartville Stakes (1400m), an event that could set the tone for his future.

“I’m staying in Sydney because he’s a horse of significant importance, and I want to be there in person to see how he begins his campaign,” Cummings said.

“I feel confident he’s come back in excellent shape, but race day is the true test. He’ll need to handle the pressure from rivals who have had more time to mature.”

Among his key opponents are Public Attention and Linebacker, the first and second-place finishers in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m), who have race fitness on their side.

The precise direction of Broadsiding’s autumn campaign is still undecided. His immediate target is the Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 8, which will determine his next steps.

His connections have multiple high-profile options, including the Rosehill Guineas (2000m), George Ryder Stakes (1500m), Doncaster Mile (1600m), and the All Aged Stakes (1400m).

“He has the versatility to tackle a variety of races,” Cummings noted. “We could keep him against his own age group for the Rosehill Guineas or step him up against older horses in races like the Doncaster and George Ryder.”

Cummings boasts a strong record in the Hobartville Stakes, having previously secured wins with Anamoe (2022), Kementari (2018), and Hallowed Crown (2015), the latter trained alongside his grandfather, the legendary Bart Cummings.