Three Cumani runners in Clockwise Classic

Matt Cumani is thrilled all three of his entrants have made the Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise Classic field but the trainer is lamenting the barrier draw for one of his hopefuls.

Cumani will saddle up Akkadian, Malawi Gold and Anthemoessa in Saturday’s $200,000 race for juveniles on their home track at Ballarat, which unlike other Victorian races is run in the clockwise direction.

Akkadian finished fifth in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes on debut at Flemington in October and the other two will make their debut in the 1000m race, which has a field of 11 plus five emergencies.

“It’s great to get them all in but unfortunately our best chance has got a terrible barrier,” Cumani said.

Akkadian drew 15 and is likely to jump from the outside barrier if the emergencies do not gain a start.

“He really needed a good barrier,” Cumani said.

“It’s going to make it a little bit more difficult but we’ll still take our chance.

“He’s in great form. My worry with him is he’s already looking like a 1400-metre horse.”

Cumani believes Akkadian is a good colt but is unsure whether he has the necessary speed for the event.

“Hopefully the incline and the extra bit of distance to what the horses have been trialling over will see some of the others out and we can finish off strongly,” he said.

Cumani said Malawi Gold was still a bit raw and “babyish” but was happy to give him his shot in the race, while the trainer believes the filly Anthemoessa could prove best suited after drawing barrier three.

Cumani will be well represented with six runners at the meeting, including Grey Lion in the feature $300,000 Listed Ballarat Cup.