Duais has satisfied both Edward Cummings and stewards that she is over the issue that forced her out of Saturday’s Winx Stakes and is poised to resume in this weekend’s $1 million Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
The five-year-old took part in a 1000-metre trial at Hawkesbury, in which she was given an easy time of things early before stoking up well late to hit the line stylishly and finish 4-1/2 lengths behind War Eternal, who edged out Zaaki.
Importantly, she pulled up well with no sign of the irregular heartbeat that flared after light gallop on race morning.
“She had a little blow after the trial but she got her breath back very quickly, as she’s very prone to do, and was checked straight after by the on-course vets by order of the stewards,” Cummings told RSN927.
“Her heart is normal, as it has been for the last 24 hours, so all signs are very good. She is even a little bit jig-joggy after the trial and happy to be here.”
Cummings took no chances with his stable star, whose campaign is being geared around the Melbourne Cup (3200m) and potentially the Japan Cup (2400m).
Saturday was the second time she has suffered from an irregular heartbeat, having also returned one after her ATC Oaks third placing in April last year, and Cummings has been encouraged by her swift return.
“On both occasions she’s recovered inside 24 hours, basically after a good night’s rest and she’s been back at work two days later,” Cummings said.
The daughter of Shamus Award was among 20 nominations for Victoria’s first Group 1 of the season, which also includes I’m Thunderstruck, Western Empire, Tofane, Cascadian and boom horse Illation.
“She’s provisionally booked to leave here on Wednesday evening and she should arrive in Melbourne on Thursday morning,” Hawkesbury-based Cummings said.
Monday’s trial was also notable for the appearance of Zaaki, who although edged out late by War Eternal went to the line under a much lighter ride from James Mcdonald.
Zaaki will resume in the $250,000 Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 3.
