It hasn’t been an easy run for Merv Rumble and Cadman.
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The veteran trainer has always had a high opinion of the now-six-year-old, but he had very little luck in the two years he’s trained him.
Once targeted at the Country Championships, the injury-plagued Cadman will turn out for Rumble in Saturday’s $22,000 Dandy Cup at Narromine Turf Club.
Barring any more rain which could result in Rumble scratching Cadman, the feature event will be the gelding’s first run in NSW since April of this year.
Formerly based in Alice Springs, Rumble still regularly makes the long trek north to be part of the Darwin Cup carnival.
Cadman finished fifth in the Samsung Handicap at Darwin this year, before winning twice at Alice Springs.
It’s been a welcome return to racing after Rumble had previously spent much time trying to figure out why Cadman just wasn’t meeting his potential.
“He went right off for a while and had a few issues and he just didn’t come good and looked rugged,” Rumble said.
“We spelled him and then we’d try our luck up north and he’s racing really well. He actually should have won three in a row at Alice.”
Rumble has his eyes set on a hometown feature, the Cotton Cup at Narromine, for Cadman but the gelding needs a run before that event.
“He better go around before that,” Rumble said, Mathew Cahill taking the ride at Narromine.
“He hasn’t done a lot (since being home) and he’s well within himself. He won’t disgrace himself.
“I give him a chance. He’s got a bit of pudding on his back but I know he can handle the weight. I just don’t know how he’ll handle the track.”
Cadman hasn’t raced on anything but a good-rated track in more than two years.
He’s got a bit of pudding on his back but I know he can handle the weight.
- Merv Rumble
Narromine was rated a Heavy 8 on Friday afternoon and Rumble admitted any more rain between then and race time could force him to scratch.
If he does start, Rumble has the benefit of leading jockey Cahill taking the ride.
Cahill rode Cadman when he made his debut for Rumble in March of 2016 and after guiding him to a second-placed finish at Cowra that day he had no hesitation in recommending him as a potential Darwin carnival runner.
It proved to be good advice as Cadman won four straight races at Darwin in August of that year.
Cadman will go from wide out in barrier 11 in Saturday’s feature event, the fifth of seven races.
The Dandy Cup jumps at 3.40pm on Saturday.