GOSFORD STUNNER FOR CUMMINGS

THURSDAY: JUNE 11, 2026: EDWARD Cummings predicted a bright future for Arato after his brilliant last to first victory on resumption at Gosford today.

Ridden by Rachel King, Arato ($12) settled second last in the Midway Maiden Plate (1000m), was last at the 600m, then launched a sweeping run around the field to score impressively.

The lightly-raced four-year-old son of Nicconi comfortably defeated Love You Anyway ($15) and $2.60 favorite Encryptix.

He was having only his third start, and first since at the same track in April last year.

Arato had finished second on debut in a Hawkesbury Maiden Handicap (1100m) the previous month.

“He is a beautiful type, and has promised to do something like this,” Cummings told Sky Racing after the gelding’s impressive performance.

“Unfortunately, he pulled up a bit sore and had a stone bruise after racing at Gosford last year.

“We took our time with him, and I thought they might be a bit nippy for him at 1000m first-up.

“There’s definitely some nice races in him.

“The plan is to go to 1200m next.

“Arato is a big boy who appreciates getting space in his races.

“He will eventually get 1400m and perhaps even 1600m.”

The Hawkesbury trainer’s father Anthony paid $120,000 for Arato as a 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling, and is the majority shareholder.

Winning rider King said Arato was a big-striding horse who would get a lot of confidence from today’s win.

Arato gave Cummings his ninth winner of the season, and was the 149^th for the Hawkesbury training base.