Luca won't rely on fate to give himself another happy ending

The stage is set: Curtain Call bids for a third Derby win for Luca Cumani to add to the victories of Kahyasi and High-Rise in 1988 and 1998 respectively

Paul Fielder

13 April 2012

Trainer Luca Cumani does not believe in omens, but superstitious punters should take a look at his colt Curtain Call for Saturday's Vodafone Derby at Epsom.

For both of the Italian's triumphs in the Classic race have come in years ending with eight - Kahyasi in 1988 and High-Rise a decade later.

If joint favourite Curtain Call completes a hat-trick of victories for Cumani though, he will put it down to ability rather than fate.

"I'm not superstitious and I don't think I'd have a better chance if the year ended in one or nine," said the 59-year-old. "He's not lacking in experience as he's had more races than either of my two previous Derby winners. The Derby was the fourth race for Kahyasi and High-Rise, whereas this horse has had six.

"He's done very well through the spring and I've been very pleased with the way he's took his work. Saying that, I'm never confident or optimistic either. The best I ever get is hopeful, and I'm hopeful now."

Kahyasi's victory under jockey Ray Cochrane and High-Rise's triumph with Olivier Peslier came after both horses had won the Lingfield Derby Trial a few weeks earlier.

Curtain Call was due to contest the same race last month only to be withdrawn on the day because the ground was too firm, and he has only run when the going was good or soft.

The ground looks set to be on the soft side on Saturday - another factor in favour of Curtain Call as he aims to join Cumani's impressive list of Group 1 winners. As well as the two Derby champions, Cumani has had racing greats such as Falbrav, Alkaased, Barathea, Commanche Run and Tolomeo pass through his Bedford House Stables where he started training in 1976.

Curtain Call runs in the colours of Juliet Cooper and Partners, who are heavily involved in the bloodstock industry. Juliet Cooper is the wife of Irish bloodstock agent Patrick, Jimmy George is a Tattersalls marketing director while Bill Oppenheim is a journalist and consultant in thoroughbred breeding and sales.

George, 44, has had shares in racehorses, but having a Derby contender takes him into a whole new world.

He said: "This is uncharted territory for people like me. I'm used to

Southwell and Lingfield with 0-75 rated handicappers, so this is huge. It's the ultimate and to have a part of a horse that will turn up on the day with a realistic chance is unbelievable."

The co-owners' golden opportunity is not lost on champion jockey Jamie

Spencer, who will be riding Curtain Call.

Spencer, who turns 28 on Sunday, said: "There's probably more pressure on them as, unless you're Godolphin or Ballydoyle, you'll only get one chance. It's important that there are no mistakes."

Spencer was stable jockey for Cumani when he first arrived in Britain in 2000 and, after Frankie Dettori - another former Cumani rider - won his first Derby on Authorized last year, the Irishman will be plotting with Cumani as he bids to land his first Blue Riband of the Turf.

"I'm sure that we'll work out a plan together," said Spencer. "You need to try to find the right one to follow that can bring you into the race."

Cumani said he expected Curtain Call to be ridden "sensibly". When asked what he thought that meant, Spencer replied: "Win, I suppose".

And with the year ending in an eight, that's entirely possible.

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