You need a lot of luck in racing and Matt Cumani would like some to finally flow his way.
Cumani saddles Hint Of Stars and Taramansour in the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Handicap (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday and is hoping 2023 will be a better year for the pair.
Former UK galloper Hint Of Stars had a terrible run right from the time he arrived in Australia late in 2021, suffering a bout of colic whilst in quarantine that required surgery.
Then in the build-up to a potential first start in Australia last year, Hint Of Stars was kicked in the tie-up stalls at the Terang jump-outs on the hock which required another surgery.
“The owners have been patient and I’m glad they have been, because he’s a lovely horse,” Cumani said.
Those owners are Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, run by John Warren, the former racing manager for The Queen, and Harry Herbert.
Cumani’s father Luca had a long and successful association with Highclere and Cumani always harboured ambitions of training for the outfit.
Hint Of Stars is the first horse he has had for Highclere and the gelding made his Australian debut at Warrnambool on January 8, finishing third over 1700m.
“I thought he would be too flat-footed at that trip, and I think he’s a genuine 2400-metre horse, but I was quite impressed that he was able to stay with them and finish the race off really well,” Cumani said.
“I think 2000-metres at Moonee Valley might be a different story again as they will go a bit quicker and its better quality, so we might see that he is really looking for 2400 metres.
“It’s a good next step for him and it’s a good introduction to Australian racing. He’s never been on anything so tight, apart from the walker possibly.”
After three wins during 2021 and a third-place finish in the Group 3 Bendigo Cup, Cumani was hoping for a good 2022 with Taramansour.
After a pleasing first-up run at Flemington last February, Cumani took Taramansour on the country cups circuit in a bid to win a race and build up his fitness.
“Both of them got abandoned as he got there,” Cumani said.
“The poor horse had to travel three and four hours to get to these places and instead we had to gallop him at home and then he popped a splint.
“It was just a complete mess of a preparation.”
Taramansour has had one run this campaign, finishing sixth at Sandown on Boxing Day, and Cumani said Saturday’s race may still be on the short side.