While uncertainty surrounds an autumn campaign for injured filly Assail, it’s all systems go for her Group One winning stablemate Dear Demi.
The raging favourite for the Magic Millions earlier this month, Asssail was scratched on race morning with a deep-seated abscess in a hoof.
A man who wears his heart on his sleeve, trainer Clarry Conners makes no secret of his Magic Million disappointment and is patiently nursing the filly.
“She had to have quite a lot of her hoof taken out so we have to wait for it to grow back,” Conners said.
“I don’t know how long that takes but we can’t do anything with her until it does.”
There are no issues with Victorian Oaks winner Dear Demi who runs in a Warwick Farm barrier trial on Friday ahead of her return in next month’s Light Fingers Stakes (1200m).
“She’s super,” Conners said. “She’s bigger and stronger and looks great.
“I’ll just give her the one trial and then she goes to the Light Fingers on the 16th.
Conners said Dear Demi would be nominated for the Australian Derby as well as the Oaks but her chance against the colts and geldings is more likely to come in the Randwick Guineas which this year will be run at Warwick Farm.
The change of venue has already prompted Anthony Cummings to begin Victoria Derby winner Fiveandahalfstar’s campaign in Melbourne but Conners relishes the thought of running Dear Demi on her home track in what locals are dubbing the Warwick Farm Guineas.
“I’d love to run her on her home track in the Guineas,” he said.
“She’ll be nominated for the Derby but the Oaks is the race we really want to win.
“I don’t have to be too hard on her.”
Another of the trainer’s favourites, Satin Shoes, will also trial on Friday.
Satin Shoes was placed three times from five starts in the spring but hasn’t won since October 2011 when she took out an 1100m race at Caulfield before running third in the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes behind Sepoy and Foxwedge.
“She’s beautiful,” Conners said.
“I’ve nominated her for the Newmarket but we’ll wait and see how things go.”
Conners said he may also trial 2010 Golden Slipper runner-up Decision Time who has been off the scene for more than a year due to injury.
