Newcastle Newmarket the race for Duca Valentinois and Spectroscope

A return to conditions that suit could make all the difference to the imported gallopers Duca Valentinois and Spectroscope when they run in the G3 Newcastle Newmarket at Newcastle, NSW, on Friday.

Both have been competitive in similar company, Duca Valentinois (Glyn Schofield) having won two listed races over the 1,400m of Friday’s race while Spectroscope (Jeff Penza) was placed in the G3 Cameron Handicap over the same course and distance last spring.

Trainer James Cummings said the opportunity to place the pair in the right race offered the possibility of securing a Stakes victory for horses who deserved them.

“Duca Valentinois was luckless first up and will be better suited at this trip,” Cummings said.

“He’s a good, honest performer who is in the sort of race in which he can be very competitive.”

For Spectroscope, who did his early racing in France, the Newmarket will be his first start since being gelded at the end of his previous preparation.

“He didn’t quite climb through the ratings last time and became a bit stagnant in his form,” Cummings said.

“Gelding him could be an interesting move.”