Sanctioned to have Derby prospects examined

A place in the G1 Victoria Derby field is on the line for Sanctioned when he runs in Saturday’s traditional lead-up to the Flemington classic.

Trainer James Cummings has persevered with Sanctioned (Kerrin McEvoy) who he says has to prove himself over the 2040m of the G2 Vase at Moonee Valley.

“I’ve never doubted this colt’s ability, and I’m sure he’s got what it takes to be competitive here, it’s just a matter of seeing him hit the line well on Saturday and show us he can mix it with these horses,” Cummings said

“He runs at 2000m for the second time this prep after he ran on well to finish fourth in the Spring Champion Stakes after going back from a wide gate.

“We tested him in the Caulfield Guineas and he drew wide again and his run was that of a horse still looking for further

“So he’s come through that well and he still looks full of life coming into this which will potentially be a strong lead-up to the Derby.”

Sanctioned was placed in Stakes races at the first three runs of his current preparation before finishing fourth in the G1 Spring Champion Stakes and then eighth in the G1 Caulfield Guineas.

Of his opponents on Saturday, Cliff’s Edge appears the best credentialed following his strong win last weekend in the G3 Caulfield Classic.

Cummings is also looking for a return to top form from Trekking (Hugh Bowman) in the G3 Red Anchor Stakes.

“We gave him a week off and he’s had a trip to Moonee Valley for a gallop on Tuesday morning which was also good for him.

“He has form from good, strong, early three-year-old races like the Rosebud Stakes against horses like Menari, so I’m expecting him to be competitive.”