Knickpoint In Order For Flemington Debut

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James Cummings

Hartnell may be attracting most of the Godolphin attention ahead of his final race but his trainer is also looking forward to Knickpoint racing at .

Unbeaten in two starts on the NSW provincial circuit, Knickpoint runs for the first time at stakes level on Saturday in the .

He will be joined by his James Cummings-trained stablemate Hilo in the 1400m Listed race for three-year-olds.

Knickpoint won on debut on a heavy track at Hawkesbury in June before resuming with a 2-1/2 length victory at on October 19.

“I think Knickpoint is really well-placed in the race,” Cummings said.

“He has to improve coming from the provincials but I think he's got what it takes and has a lot of upside.

“He has the action of a horse who should enjoy the wide expanses of Flemington.”

After victories at Sandown and , Hilo was bumped up to stakes grade with Godolphin testing him as a potential contender in the Prelude in which he finished sixth behind .

Instead of progressing to the Guineas, the colt stayed at 1400m, finishing third in the behind Alabama Express.

Hilo is backing up after a fading sixth in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last Saturday.

“He's on the back-up from running a little too quickly in the Carbine Club so the 1400 metres will suit him a lot better,” Cummings said.

Knickpoint is the market leader at $2.25 for Saturday's race with Hilo a $12 hope in latest betting as Godolphin strives to add to their tally.

Soothing has so far given Godolphin its sole sucess over the four days, winning a Listed sprint on Thursday.

Hartnell runs in the Group One in his final racetrack appearance.

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