Four-time Singapore champion jockey is set to make his return to the saddle with a low-key start at Pakenham.
The Caulfield Cup winning jockey before departing for Singapore where he plied his trade for 10 of the past 14 years, Vlad Duric is home for good after a health issue forced him from the saddle last year.
Duric has not ridden since August last year and makes his return with a solitary ride at Pakenham on Thursday night aboard the Wendy Kelly-trained Jesta Dreama in the Vinny Guiliana Handicap (1600m).
Kelly and Duric have had a long association with the pair teaming for their first Group 1’s in 2007 when Bon Hoffa won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
“I would have liked another couple of weeks, but Wendy and Kevin called with one at 61-½ kilos and I thought I can manage that one alright,” Duric said.
“He’s a nice old horse to get me going again after six months out.
“I’m looking forward to kicking off at home, on that big, beautiful track at Pakenham.
“I’ll have a few rides here and there and slowly get my fitness back.”
Since returning from Singapore where he spent the past six years, Duric has spent time getting his farm near the Pakenham racecourse back up to scratch.
It has only been in the last couple of months that Duric has got back into riding trackwork in a bid to get his weight down.
He heads to Cranbourne of a Saturday morning to ride out for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young while at Pakenham Duric has been riding work for Phillip Stokes and Peter Moody.
Duric had thought about heading interstate upon his return, but Victoria is home.
“The girls are back here and settled in, so we’re happy to be back,” Duric said.
“I’ve come back with a different mentality this time. I’ll just chip away, no pressure and try and get a few winners.”
