While the current Melbourne Cup favourite was working out in Sydney recently, Queensland may be the destination for a former market leader.
Star mare Duais was unplaced in 2022 but suffered an injury. She is now back in work and could be on target to take in the Doomben Cup for a Melbourne Cup run later on.
Chipped Knee Discovered
The 2022 Australian Cup and Tancred Stakes winner Duais has been moved back to stables. A proper 2023 return to action may not be far away. The outstanding mare, a three-time winner at the top level, has not been seen since last year’s Melbourne Cup.
After winning two of the biggest staying races around, she could not score again in 2022. In fairness, she was not beaten far in the Turnbull Stakes or the Caulfield Cup. Until then, she’d been favourite for the big one.
Having finished 18th of 22 in the Melbourne Cup, beaten 38 lengths, she was taken back to the paddock. Around a month later, her team noticed that all was not well with the daughter of Shamus Award.
A CT scan was performed which found a chip in the mare’s knee. Knowing that now explains her performances, with a Melbourne Cup win clearly within her capabilities when fully fit.
Rehab Going Well for Star Mare, Doomben Cup Could Be on the Cards
Since the injury was discovered, Duais has undergone veterinary surgery. The chip in her knee has been removed and she has been quietly working on a rehab program.
Duais was given around six weeks off after the top before beginning rehabilitation. Walking on the treadmill at a slight incline was first on the list, followed by some time using a water walker.
She has now gone back to trainer Edward Cummings and is reportedly looking in fine form.
Work is to be done with Cummings and co. in the coming days before plans are firmed up. The mare will not be rushed into action, but if all goes well then the Doomben Cup looks to be the most likely upcoming target.
A successful trial in mid-April would do the trick for getting Duais to the Doomben Cup.
While the racing world is hopeful that Duais strengthens up in time, Cummings will not panic. He has already spoken out publicly to say that if they have to wait until the spring to go racing, they will.
Once as short as $17 for the 2022 renewal, she can still be backed this year but is as big as $51 in the Melbourne Cup odds.
Payne Charged Over Positive Swab
Meanwhile, Melbourne Cup winner Michelle Payne faces a tribunal over a positive swab charge.
Stewards have charged Payne after Jukila was presented to race at Bendigo in October with a prohibited substance.
Jukila won that day, but Dexamethasone was detected post-race. Payne faces the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a yet-to-be-decided date.
Read more news about the Melbourne Cup.
