A history of working with horses to overcome their injuries has led Belinda Dunn taking on four-time NSW winner Enotis.
The former Hawkes Racing-trained galloper has not raced since August last year and is down to contest the Magic Millions Digital Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath on Saturday.
Enotis was picked up for $4500 at an online sale in May and the long build-up to the gelding’s return under Dunn began.
“He had a tendon injury, and we like fixing horses that have had an injury, and we have done well with them,” Dunn said.
“We do all the rehab work. Lots of slow work, a bit of time off, and he’s gone through all the checks and he’s right to come back to the races.
“My husband, Paul Dunn, is an old trotting guy, and he’s very good with tendons.
“The best part of this horse, he did the Sydney leg (offside foreleg), so there won’t be as much pressure being put on that leg going the Melbourne way.”
Enotis has had four jump-outs to have him ready for his return at Pakenham, starting in late October, going through to his most recent on Tuesday over 1000m.
“After his first jump-out he dropped 12 kilos,” Dunn said.
“He had a bit of weight on him when he came in, but he came in great order. He’s happy to be back but I think he’s a run short and will get a lot of benefit from it.
“I think he’ll run a nice race, but having such a long time off, you’ve always got to say his race fitness is not there yet.”
The Dunn’s moved from Tatura to the Yarra Valley this year and travel to the Pakenham racecourse two or three days a week for fast work, while they have a small track on their 11-acre property for slow work.
They love the training set-up at Pakenham and the availability of weekly jump-outs.
At 66, Dunn herself rides regular work before handing over the reins for jump-outs while Thomas Stockdale will have the ride on Saturday.
Dunn loves being around Enotis.
“He’s the biggest dude, this horse. All he needs is a comb and a mirror, and he’d be fine,” she said.
“He’s a lovely horse.”
