Trainer Edward Cummings expects Duais to be very competitive in Saturday’s Group 1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield, with his mare primed for her campaign’s target race.
The daughter of Shamus Award placed in the G1 Underwood Stakes third-up, overcoming interference to run home strongly for third behind winner Alligator Blood.
Whilst wary of talented rivals, Cummings said his galloper has come through her ‘excellent’ Underwood showing very well and should have a few factors in her favour for Saturday’s contest.
Tactics will come more into play after the barriers are revealed, but regardless, the intention will be to have Duais barnstorming home late once more.
“Obviously the extra 200 metres will suit, we haven’t seen the barriers yet but we’re there to win the race,” Cummings said.
“You’ve got to give respect to key opponents … it might only be a speculative entry, but Gold Trip is in there.
“Alligator Blood will most likely be up on speed and it’s our job to run him down.”
Blake Shinn will hop aboard for Saturday’s contest, with last-start rider Craig Williams set to partner Alcohol Free in The Everest at Randwick on Saturday.
Suffice to say, it was not a decision that required much debate between connections.
“He was the best rider in the city last year … it was an absolute no-brainer,” Cummings said.
Duais has been nominated for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plates, but any chance of her starting those races is completely dependent on Saturday’s result.
“We’ll just see how she goes this weekend, definitely” Cummings said.
Similar logic will be applied to Duais’ breeding prospects, with connections well aware of her age and breeding potential, but also delighted to see their mare thriving on the track.
“She is getting on, obviously, but she’s well and she’s enjoying her racing,” he said.
“It (breeding) is in the back of your mind … but we’ve got a job to do this Saturday and that’s what we’re focussing on.”
– racing.com
