Cumani happy with ground at Chicago track

Luca Cumani has played down fears that the going on the turf track at Arlington will be too quick for stable star Gossamer as she takes to the stage in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf on Saturday.

Light drizzle was in the air in Chicago this morning and further showers are now forecast for the area in the next 48 hours, ending concerns that the turf course – which remains officially “firm” – could ride lightning-fast at the weekend.

Cumani also confirmed that the filly would bypass her alternative option at the meeting in the Mile, his decision being influenced to some extent by running plans for Rock Of Gibraltar.

“She is fine at the moment, although I think she is possibly still a little jetlagged and wondering what is going on,” Cumani said today.

“I think it is going to be very tough for her to win and around a tight track like this she will need a lot of luck in running.

“But we trained around a bend which we constructed in Newmarket and she flew round it like a motorbike.

“I’ve been out on to the turf course this morning with my stick and it’s fine - I would say it would be considered ’good’ in Europe.”

Gossamer, along with fellow British-trained contenders Golan and Islington, this morning completed a gentle solo workout over about six furlongs on the turf course.