Matt Cumani produced Nicconi colt Akkadian to win his 800 metre heat by a couple
of lengths. He settled just behind the leader on the fence and surged through
long the inside rail to score a dominant win.Akkadian was a $110,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Aquis Farm draft for Matt Cumani/ Boomer Bloodstock and is from the Blackfriars mare Garden of Eden, a half-sister to Group III winner Grand Nirvana.
The fillies heat was won by the David Brideoake trained Exceed and excel filly Cavalini, who came from off the pace to power home out wide under a hold and score a narrow win.
A $310,000 Magic Millions purchase for John Foote Bloodstock from the draft of Edinburgh Park, Cavalini is the first foal of Group III placed Encosta de Lago mare Diva Dee, a close relation to Encosta de Lago's Group I winner Road to Rock.
Exceed and Excel looks well placed to make a big impact in the early two year-old races having also sired four trial winners at Canterbury.
