Racing: Clinking to fly flag for stable

The decision to stick to his original plan with Strike The Stars has left Anthony Cummings with just one runner at today's Caulfield Guineas meeting.

Cummings nominated Strike The Stars for the Group One Toorak Handicap when there was talk More Joyous might not start after being given 60kg.

Once it became clear the Gai Waterhouse-trained star would take her place, Cummings opted out with his four-year-old.

The omission of Strike The Stars leaves three-year-old filly Clinking to fly the stable's flag at Caulfield.

She will take her place in the Group Three Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) and has drawn barrier one.

A four-length winner at Sandown three starts ago, Clinking finished sixth to Snitzerland at her first stakes test under lights at Moonee Valley last start when little went her way.

"The run was better than her finishing position suggested. She got caught in the backwash when the speed slackened," Cummings said.

"Then when she went to make ground something came out underneath her and it basically forced her into the outside fence.

"When she came around [the turn] with the lights and everything, she sort of backed off. She still managed to run good sectionals down the straight.

"Her effort was fine."

The race Cummings has now put on Strike the Stars' immediate radar is Saturday week's Group Three Betfair Stakes (1400m) with the Group One Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington next month his main goal.

-AAP