Just two weeks ago, trainer Bart Cummings told his grandson and partner James that the stable had a three-year-old that had achieved enough to start in Saturday's $200,000 St Leger.
Such is the beauty of a blended training establishment with Bart Cummings' wisdom and untold horsemanship, together with the energy and vitality of James.
"We were looking through the calendar and Bart said to me the St Leger would be an ideal race for Colour Of Money," James Cummings said. "He's got a nice staying pedigree and, of course, you don't win races like the St Legers from staying in your box on a Saturday.
"So we put our heads together and I know it's a big jump for the horse to go from Gosford to Flemington but we both feel he's ready to do it."
If Colour Of Money, who was defeated at Gosford at his last start, proves successful, it will give Cummings snr his eighth St Leger Stakes – just another example of the staggering impact Australia's greatest trainer has had on major races.
"You could say we're having a throw at the stumps and, to put it another way, he's a rising talent but not a proven talent," James Cummings said.
"There will be no problem, I shouldn't think. The blinkers might fire him up as he is just so relaxed and laid-back at home, we're hoping it will get him going and have him on his toes."
Colour Of Money is one of three Sydney stayers attempting to win the listed event at Flemington on Saturday. "It's going to be a pretty exciting day as we've got runners in three states and they've all got winning chances," James Cummings said.
