Covers come off Tarpaulin

Half-brother to classy colt to debut at Randwick.

AFT CABIN.
AFT CABIN. Picture: Steve Hart

James Cummings will unveil the latest product of a fine producer for Godolphin in the first race at Randwick on Saturday.

Godolphin Australia's head trainer is left with two runners in the $160,000 Drinkwise Plate after the scratching of Voile; debut Kembla Grange winner winner Pisces and Harry Angel colt Tarpaulin.

The latter will become the sixth to race from Lonhro mare Shelters, whose five to the track are all winners including three Stakes winners.

The best of them is Aft Cabin, a son of Astern.

The four-year-old has won four of 10 starts, including the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) and two Group 3 races but is perhaps best remembered for being a Caulfield Guineas scratchings when favourite for that Group 1 event.

Shelters, a half-sister to Group 1 J J Atkins winner Benfica, is also the dam of P J Bell Stakes winner Multaja and Listed Lonhro Plate winner and Silver Slipper and Todman Stakes placegetter Veranillo.

Tarpaulin's education has involved hit-outs in both Melbourne and Sydney with a second placing in an 800m Flemington jumpout on December 1 followed by another second placing, this time in a 900m Rosehill trial, on December 18.

Tommy Berry will take the ride aboard Tarpaulin, who has drawn the inside barrier in the 1100m event that also includes Breeders' Plate runner-up Straight Charge, impressive Max Lees Stakes winner Erno's Cube.


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