Godolphin will send Cascadian to the All-Star Mile via the Australian Cup, which means a start in next Saturday’s $750,000 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) is unlikely.
The James Cummings-trained gelding is a $10 chance in TAB’s Pre-Nominations market on the Futurity Stakes, but Godolphin Australia’s managing director Vin Cox said he was more likely to be seen in the $300,000 Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) on the same card.
“He’s unlikely to the Futurity at this stage,” Cox said. “Probably the Peter Young is the race that sets up nicely for him over 1800.”
I’m Thunderstruck and Tofane are joint $3.50 favourites for the Futurity with $7 chance Lighthouse – who is also an unlikely starter – the only other runner shorter than Cascadian, who resumed with a third placing in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes on February 12.
After this Saturday, Cascadian will run in the $1.5 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 12 before backing up in the following week’s $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m).
Godolphin learned on Friday that Cascadian has secured a place in the All-Star Mile, called up to replace the injured Behemoth.
“James feels that it will be the perfect preparation for him to go through the Australian Cup and into the (All-Star) Mile,” Cox told RSN927 on Sunday morning.
“We’re delighted that he’s made it into the race and looking forward to getting him to Flemington.”
