Bart Cummings has been entrusted with BC3's international Melbourne Cup contender Sanagas

Master trainer Bart Cummings' assault on the 2012 Emirates Melbourne Cup will be spearheaded by North America's hottest stayer.

The record 12-time Cup-winner has today been unveiled as the Australian trainer for Sanagas, a devastating 3 ¼ length winner of the Group 1 Hollywood Turf Cup (2400m) last November.

German-bred Sanagas was purchased by Victorian-based BC3 Thoroughbreds in association with prominent USA owner-breeder David Bernsen specifically to target the Melbourne Cup.

The five-year-old will spearhead what could be a three-pronged attack on Victoria's premier staying races by BC3 Thoroughbreds and its owners with negotiations underway to secure a further two serious contenders.

A winner at seven of his 10 lifetime starts, Sanagas will commence a three-start USA campaign this weekend under trainer Peter Miller before entering quarantine on 23 April.

He resumes Sunday morning (AEST) in the Group 2 San Marcos Stakes (2000m), before tackling the Group 2 San Luis Rey Stakes (2400m) on 18 March and the Group 2 San Juan Capistrano Handicap (2800m) on 22 April, all run at Santa Anita, California.

Cummings, whose pursuit of a 13thMelbourne Cup has been thwarted in the past two years by French-trained pair Americain and Dunaden, said Sanagas would be a terrific addition to his team.

“We'll welcome him with open arms when he arrives and look forward to preparing him for the Melbourne Cup,” Cummings said.

“I've watched his win in the Hollywood Cup and was very impressed with the acceleration he showed after racing wide without cover.”

BC3 Thoroughbreds CEO Bill Vlahos said they were excited to have secured the services of Cummings to guide Sanagas' Australian career.

“We are delighted that Bart has agreed to train the horse for us. His record in the Melbourne Cup is unparalleled and it is the race we have purchased Sanagas specifically for. It's a very exciting time for BC3,” Vlahos said.

“We canvassed the world looking for the best stayers to compete in our premier races like the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and we were delighted to get Sanagas who is lightly raced and has enormous talent.

“The horse will be out of quarantine in Sydney in early June and then Bart's focus will be on having him right for the Spring Racing Carnival and in particular that first Tuesday in November.”

Cummings' last Melbourne Cup triumph came in 2008 with Viewed. His previous victories were Rogan Josh (1999), Saintly (1996), Let's Elope (1991), Kingston Rule (1990), Hyperno (1979), Gold And Black (1977), Think Big (1974-75), Red Handed (1967), Galilee (1996) and Light Fingers (1965).

c/- Racing Victoria

Listen to Bill Vlahos interviewed on RSN;

http://www.radiosportnat.com.au/audioplayer/1328567898.mp3