Impending confirmed for G1 Kingsford-Smith Cup

The Kingsford-Smith Cup at Doomben is firmly on the agenda for Impending as the star Godolphin sprinter bids for another G1 win to take with him to stud.

Impending has come through his second placing behind English in last weekend’s G1 Doomben 10,000 in “fantastic shape” and trainer James Cummings expects the four-year-old to be even better suited for his next assignment.

“He’s pulled up in fantastic shape after an outstanding performance in the 10,000,” Cummings said.

“We were all extremely impressed with his effort, and in a race of that sort of quality there’s no doubt he did a lot for his reputation just before he goes to stud.”

It is now hoped Impending will do even more in the Kingsford-Smith run over 1,300m at Doomben on Saturday, 26 May.

A further possibility could come in the G1 Stradbroke Handicap, also over the Doomben 1,300m two weeks later.

“He’ll go straight to the Kingsford Smith Cup where he’ll step up slightly in distance to 1300m,” Cummings said.

“He’ll be beautifully suited again under weight-for-age conditions and for a horse who’s continued to build and improve during this preparation there are exciting times ahead.

“He really exploded to the line against proven G1 sprinters last week and to only be narrowly beaten by English and have horses like Redzel, Le Romain and In Her Time in his wake not only bodes well for his current preparation, but also for his status as a stallion.”

Godolphin’s Australian stable will meanwhile be looking for G1 success this weekend with It’s Somewhat who runs in the Doomben Cup and three-year-old colt Viridine in the Darley Goodwood at Morphettville.