Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Darwin Cup (2000m) on August 8, an event that holds immense sentimental value to him, having secured victory three times in the past.
However, this year, uncertainty clouds his participation with one or possibly two runners.
Among his hopefuls, Mohican Heights, the former protege of Chris Waller, was brought into Dyer’s stable with the sole aim of conquering the Darwin Cup.
Unfortunately, the Fannie Bay track proved to be a challenge for the horse, as seen in his eighth-place finish in the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) on July 15.
Dyer remains optimistic and has made gear adjustments, including a one-eyed blinker, hoping it will make a significant difference.
A trial scheduled for Tuesday will determine Mohican Heights’ eligibility for the race.
Meanwhile, Kaonic, a previous runner-up in 2022 and a lover of the Fannie Bay track, faces a different hurdle.
With a current rating of 74, he might face difficulty in securing a spot in the Darwin Cup.
In a strategic move to boost his chances, Dyer plans to enter Kaonic in the Metric Mile this Saturday, with the hope of accruing more ratings points.
